CONTEMPLATE FOR CLIMATE

CHANGED & FLOOD RISK: CITIES IN

COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT

Flooding events and climate change cause economic, social and

environmental damage and lives loss. Cabanatuan City is a frequently
flooded populated region with developing infrastructure. The research aims
to identify the geographical centers of flood in the city, costs imposed by
flood, reasons for perceived increase in flood risk, and the activities
planned by the city regarding climate change and flood. The study was
purely descriptive and was gathered through interviews and data from the
government offices. Data showed that Barangay Caudillo is 100% highly at
risk while Barangays Caridad, Ma. Theresa, City Supermarket , Dimasalang,
Fatima, General Luna, Mabini Extension, Melojavilla, Quezon District, San
Roque Norte, Sanbermicristi, Vijandre District, Villa Ofelia-Caridad, Zulueta
District, Padre Burgos is categorized as 100% Low risk in flood. The city only
recorded costs imposed by flood only when typhoons strike, thus, the
researchers only possessed the estimated monetary value of reported
damages of Typhoon Lando (1.9Billion) and Typhoon Nona (23.6M) that
both occurred last 2015. According to the data gathered, the reasons for
perceived increase in flood risk were the changing climate, increasing
population and urbanization/development. The CDRRMO activities in the
city were divided into four reinforcing thematic areas namely disaster
prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and
disaster rehabilitation and recovery. The activities were then analyzed to
Hyogo Framework Action that is widely adopted by different countries. The
results showed that the city government has effectively managed the risks
attributed by climate change and flood in the city.
 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction
Climate change has been one of the most critical concerns in recent
decades. Researchers have claimed that global hydrological cycles are
expected to accelerate by climate change. Because of increased
precipitation and reduced evapotranspiration, river discharge will increase
on a global scale, which indicates an increase in the frequency of floods in
many regions of the globe. Risk of great floods increased during the 20th
century.

During the last few decades, the world has experienced an

increasing number of devastating floods. Climate changes at a great
percentage every year, causing arrival of new diseases and large
economic impacts. Globally, floods are viewed as the most destructive of
all naturally triggered disasters. This is indicated by reported flood losses that
exceed one third of the estimated total cost associated with all disaster
events triggered by natural hazards. Additionally, flood events account for
two thirds of the global population affected by all naturally triggered
disaster events (UNDP, 2004)
Cabanatuan City, considered as one of the developing cities, also
faces the flood risks and climate change adverse effects. Cabanatuan City
has experienced a number of floods, despite of its gradual urbanization.
Flood has posed risks and casualties in some barangays. Hence, this study
aims to identify the risks the people of Cabanatuan sees as climate
changes and floods rage the city.

Statement of the Problem

As a result of global warming, the type, frequency and intensity of
extreme events, such as tropical cyclones (including hurricanes and
typhoons), floods, droughts and heavy precipitation events, are expected
to rise even with relatively small average temperature increases (Meehl et
al. 2007).
 This study entitled “Contemplate for climate changed & flood
risk: cities in comparative perspective” seeks to answer the following
questions:

1. What is the current flood risk status of the city in terms of:
a. Geographical centers of floods
b. Costs imposed by flood
2. What are the reasons for a perceived increase in flood risk?
3. How does the city government attend to the risks given by climate
and flood?
4. What measures can be recommended for the current flood risks
and climate change effects?

Framework of the Study

Organizations
related to flood
Reasons for
perceived
Costs imposed
increase in
flood risk

Climate
Geographical Change Recommended
Centers of flood and Measures
Flood Risk