TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Overnight rain on Sunday, January 11, caused minor flooding at the site near the Tacloban City Airport where Pope Francis will celebrate mass on January 17.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office had to deploy water pumps to remove the floodwater. Construction is still ongoing at the site. The stage is half-complete and other amenities, such as tents and portalets, have yet to be installed.
Barricades were set up over the weekend so the police can better control the crowd during the Pope’s visit here.
DPWH Regional Director Rolando M. Asis said that continuous rain is hampering the completion of the mass site and the road repairs needed for the Pope’s visit.
“The rain is delaying our work but right now we are 90% done. I am confident though that we can finish everything before the Pope arrives,” Asis said.
The regional director also said that they are already preparing alternative plans. “The Chancery Office of the Archdiocese [of Palo] will provide transparent raincoats in case of rain. We also have our waterpumps ready to minimize flooding within the site,” he added. Umbrellas are prohibited during the event.
On Monday, January 12, it rained intermittently in Metro Tacloban. Weather bureau PAGASA also predicts a high chance of rain during the papal visit because of a low pressure area which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday, January 15, affecting Visayas and Mindanao. – Rappler.com
Derek Alviola is a Rappler Mover from Leyte
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