Manila: The government continues to address severe flooding in low-lying and high-risk areas through the Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) initiative, despite nonstop heavy rains brought by the 'habagat' (southwest monsoon) season.

According to Philippines News Agency, prior to the onset of the rainy season, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had ordered the intensification of the OKB to protect communities, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a news release Friday. The OKB includes the operation of pumping stations and the deployment of additional personnel and equipment, as well as the clearing, desilting, and dredging of critical waterways.

Operations are ongoing in Metro Manila, the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions, Tarlac, Naga in Camarines Sur, and parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. Among the activities are clearing of waterways of Tumana Creek in Malanday, Marikina; desilting operations in Caritan-Balzain Creek, Tuguegarao City and Bicol River Esplanade in Naga City; dredging operation in Sagop Creek, Naga City; and declogging of line canals in Valencia City-Maramag Diversion Road in Bukidnon province and Barangay Suarez in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.