Environmental Effect of Flash Flood: A Case Study at Brgy.

Zone XI,
Talisay City

Imee Abonales, Reynaire Alphonse V. Berina1, John Lloyd Felorino1, Regearl A. Nicolasora1, Romeo V.
Quirino Jr.1, Hubertcel S. Villanueva1
1
College of Education, Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Talisay City, Negros Occ.

Email: Imee Abonales – (…)@gmail.com

Reynaire Alphonse V. Berina
John Lloyd Felorino
Regearl A. Nicolasora
Romeo V. Quirino Jr.
Hubertcel S. Villanueva
– reynaireberina@gmail.com
– jkfelorino0611@gmail.com
– regearlmarn.nicolasora@gmail.com
– romeojr.quirino@gmail.com
– Hubertcelvillanueva@gmail.com

Abstract
Flooding is the most perennial natural disaster problem facing our country nowadays. (Klippe, A., 2019). The
effects of flooding include loss of life and damage to buildings and other structures. Natural disasters is one of the
common problems that every one are experiencing, this includes earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, and
volcanic eruptions. Natural disasters have caused tremendous harm and continue to threaten millions of humans and
various infrastructure capabilities each year. In addressing this environmental issue, the researchers used a qualitative
approach in gathering datas about the environmental issue in Brgy. Zone XI. This case study aims to determine the
effects and causes of flood in Brgy. Zone Xl, Talisay City, in order to identify and take countermeasures against the
threats brought by future natural disasters. Also, assessing and reducing risk are the focus of this study. In this paper,
the researchers gathered evidence through interviews regarding the causes, effects and possible solution to flooding.
Based on the findings the researchers identified that flood is a major problem in their area in the last few months.
Moreover, this paper will provide certain causes of flood , different effects and possible. solutions that the researchers
suggested and recommended.  

Introduction dramatically in a brief period of time as a

Floods are the most frequent type of
natural disaster and occur when an overflow
of water submerges land that is usually dry.
Floods can cause widespread devastation,
resulting in loss of life and damages to
personal property and critical public health
infrastructure (WHO, n.d.). It is a major
danger to the ecosystem that can lead to loss
of human life, damage to infrastructure,
destruction of commercial activity and a
reduction of natural resources in river basins
and coastal areas (Carrasco et al., 2012).
Flash floods are extremely
dangerous floods that occur with little or no
warning. When there is more rain than the
soil can handle, the resulting water easily
spills into rivers and creeks, overwhelming
storm drains and ditches and creating flash
floods. Water levels will escalate
result of a flash flood. Extreme flooding
happens as a result of atmospheric
conditions that induce heavy rain or the
sudden melting of snow and ice. Geography
may also increase the likelihood of flooding
in a given region. Flash flooding, for
example, are common in areas near rivers
and towns. Urban areas (areas near cities)
are also at higher risk for floods because
rooftops funnel rainfall to the ground below,
and paved surfaces such as highways and
parking lots prevent the ground from
absorbing the rain(Conrad, n.d.).
This year there were many cities in
Negros Occidental were affected by the
Typhoon Rolly and Ulysses. It caused
severe flooding which damaged a lot of
properties and took many lives. One if the
affected Cities is Talisay City, where many
1
structures were destroyed and destructed
because of the flash floods. The researchers
decided to conduct a case study in a specific
Area or Barangay in Talisay City since it is
near to the researchers’ hometown. It is
noticeable that the area is very low and is
prone to flooding when heavy rainfall
strikes the area. The researchers also noticed
that the river has garbages dumped by the
residents, and many garbage can be seen
around the area. Base on the observation of
the researchers, it has been assumed that the
area is prone to flooding due to improper
waste disposal, deforestation and low level
of river barrier.
A flood struck the Third District and
other northern Negros areas on Friday night,
January 8, 2021, and lasted until early
Saturday morning, January 9, resulting in
two deaths. An unidentified male cadaver
was found in the creek of Purok Santan
Barangay Zone 11, Talisay City which is
believed that he drowned due to the strong
current of flood(Ellera 2021). Heavy rain
Triggered flash flood in different parts of
Negros Occidental which affected many
localities and Barangays. Talisay City,
residents were evacuated from their homes
on Friday night, January 8 following the
waist-deep flood.
That Friday night PAGASA said
that thunderstorms brought heavy rains in
localities of Negros Occidental including
Talisay, Silay, E.B.Magalona, Victorias,
Bacolod and Manapla. In an initial report
posted by Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares III on
Facebook, more than 200 families sought
refuge in evacuation centres as of 12am on
Saturday. The heavy rainfall has caused
massive flooding have destroyed many
houses in some barangays in Talisay City.
(Rappler 2021) Thousands of families in
four Negros Occidental localities saw the
New Year starting with flash flooding in the
middle of the night. The first few hours of
Friday, January 1, brought heavy rain, which
forced people to take to their roofs as flood
waters rushed into their homes, while others
were evacuated to temporary shelters.
(Espina 2021).
Data Gathering Procedure
Initially, information needed was
gathered by the researchers through the
process of interview. In this study
observation in the area were also used to
collect the data needed for this study such as
the possible causes, effects or destruction of
flash flood. A convinience sampling method
were used to select respondents to be
interviewed and answer the questions
prepared by the researchers. Considering the
state of the Country, due to the uprising
cases of pandemic the researchers have
decided to. Limit their respondents. Despite
the pandemic the researchers continued to
perform the personal interview by following
the community’s safety protocols in order to
prevent the spread of COVID-19. By this
process of gathering data, the researchers
were able to collect the information that is
needed to the study. The interview took
place in Brgy. Zone 11, Talisay City last
March 06, 2021, which is one of the affected
area in Talisay City. Brgy. Zone 11 was
chosen because of the researchers’
availability and it is the nearest place from
the researchers’ hometown.
Findings
Using the data gathered, the
researchers found out that unsegregated
solid waste, low river barriers and surface
level, lack of trees/Deforestation, and
overflowing Surface runoff in Brgy. Zone
11, Talisay City are the causes of Flash
floods in the area. These causes has affected
and caused negative environmental
consequences that can be seen by everyone
all over the world. It is investigated during
the interview that due to the increasing
volume of wastes that being disposed and
thrown everywhere by people living near the
area were highly affected by the flash flood.
Most of the residents, especially children
and adults were affected by the flash flood.
On other hand, their living, things and
houses were also affected and some were
2
destroyed. It is found out that one of the
causes where cutting down the trees in the
higer places where the overflowing surface
runoff flows through the river which affects
the rise of the water flow.
In Talisay, floods hit 20 barangays
(villages), affecting 329 houses, including
49 totally damaged and 280 partially
damaged. Also, 11 roads and bridges, as
well as a flood control project in Silay,
Talisay and Cadiz, were either destroyed or
damaged by the massive floods, the second
in just a week after flash floods also hit
northern Negros early hours on New Year’s
Day.
According to the Philippine Coast
Guard (PCG), around 115 residents from
Talisay City and Victorias City were
evacuated by its members. However, this is
not the first time that the province
experienced heavy flooding this year. A
week ago, over 4,000 families in the cities
of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, and EB
Magalona town greeted the New Year with
flash floods with affected families appealing
for help. Talisay City was also placed under
a state of calamity following the trail of
destruction that the flooding brought.
Many people lost their living,
homes and family because of the devastating
destruction of the flash flood to their
homtown. Residents’ property also was
damaged and majority of the property was a
total lost and cannot be recovered such as
cars, electrical appliance and many more.
Flood also could damage natural resources
such as rubber plantation and palm oil
plantation. Flood also can destroy drainage
systems that can cause the spill of raw
sewage. The researchers could assume that
the drainage system was already in a level
where it should be, but flood still happen.
This is because it was out of human
capability to know whether flood was really
happen or where could it happen.
Evidence-based guidance on the
factors that could influence the course of an
illness is valuable when developing tools to
minimize the psychosocial and mental
health impacts of flooding. As an example,
the extended timeframe of the impacts of
flooding on people, their homes and their
communities are such that the effects of
secondary stressors are highly important
because they prolong the welfare, physical
and psychosocial impacts.
Conclusion
Over the past few years, many cases
of flash flooding have taken place around
many parts of Talisay City, especially along
zone 11. Climate change will exacerbate the
existing effects of flooding on infrastructure
and community services, including roads,
stormwater and wastewater systems and
drainage, river flood mitigation works, and
private and public assets including houses,
businesses and schools. Many concerns have
been raised regarding this matter. As such,
the government has implemented many
measures like flood barriers, and
improvements to drainage in order to
prevent the occurrences of similar flooding
incidents. Nevertheless, floods continued to
happen, devastating residents in Zone 11,
Talisay City. Initially, the researchers
hypothesized that the government failed to
control flash floods because they had not
been proactive enough in their
implementation of flood control methods.
Instead, the measures were reactive and
based on past statistics and flash flood
occurrences. After completing more
research and conducting an interview with
more than seven residents of the zone 11,
Talisay City, the researchers now realize
that there are more causes of flooding
includes improper waste disposal,
deforestation and poor drainage. Improper
waste disposal is some of the reason why
zone 11 is vulnerable to flooding, the
barangay captain said. “We need to remove
these sorts of garbage clogging our
drainages and esteros to ensure they can
accommodate large volume of floodwaters
during heavy downpour,” he added. "If we
keep all our waterways trash-free. Trash we
throw anywhere block the drains and
3
ultimately clog drainages and esteros,
hampering the free flow of water, which
aggravate flood,” he said. Poor waste
management may elevate the flood hazards
in a number of ways. Improper disposal of
waste along roads could physically block the
drainage system, influencing the flow of
runoff in the canal system. On the other
hand, Deforestation plays many roles in the
flooding equation because trees prevent
sediment runoffs and forests hold more
water than farms or grasslands. The flood
equation is simple. If a river cannot handle
the load of water it is required to carry, it
will rise above its banks. This is when
floods occur. This is how a single tree can
actually help in reducing the effects of
flooding. First, some rainwater stays on the
leaves and evaporates into the atmosphere.
Second, its leaves reduce the impact of
raindrops on the soil, which causes less soil
erosion. Third, its roots absorb water from
the soil, making the soil drier so it can
absorb more rainwater, and finally the roots
of the tree hold the soil in place, reducing
the movement of sediment which can reduce
the capacity of the river downstream from
breaking its banks. The release of sediment
due to deforestation has a bigger impact on
floods. Lastly Poor drainage that could not
cope with intense rainfall has been cited as
the main cause of the disastrous floods.
People should be considerate about the
environment. The problem will not go away
even if people ignore it. It is up to us
improve our habits. That includes thinking it
is someone else’s problems.
Recommendations
The researchers have witnessed the
situation of the localities and they highly
recommend or encourage the People to be
considerate about the environment. Picking
up the garbage is everyone’s concern.
Children must be taught that throwing away
the garbage everywhere is not right. Never
treat the environment as one big garbage
disposal. Sometimes, the problem is within
the people. Residents may not see it, but
every one is feeling the consequences of our
irresponsibility. The residents should
practice discipline and consistency because
what people leave for the next generation
will affect them.
In addition, the researchers highly
encourage the local governments to
modernising the drainage system to ensure
that waste water and sewage is transported
neatly to disposal points, thereby keeping
the environment well drained and free of
clogging waste. Sustainable Drainage
Systems are intended to regulate surface
water runoff close to where it falls and
simulate natural drainage as closely as
possible. They provide opportunities to
reduce the causes and impacts of flooding,
remove pollutants from urban runoff at
source, and combine water management
with recreation and wildlife. Changes might
take a long time. However, it is safer and
highly recommended to prevent the
flooding.
Implementation
The researchers went to the area in
Brgy. Zone 11, Talisay City where the cause
of flood came from, and then found out the
situation of the river near the residents’ area
and the wastes that have been thrown by
some residents have not been segregated and
washed out by the water flow. Barangay
Zone 11, is one of the severely affected
barangay in Talisay City during the
occurrence of the massive flooding last
January 2021. The researchers found the
impact of the flood to the community and
the possible reasons why the massive
flooding occurs. The garbages stocked in the
river has many effects on the environment
and this will lead to many disastrous
calamities that will affect the people near the
site and and their living as well.
Since it takes much effort for the
residents and Barangay officials to create
and manage a well disciplined community,
the higher position of the Barangay Officials
must coordinate and communicate with
higher level officials of the City and seek for
4
help and donations in managing the
development of the specific area whereas it
could help prevent or somehow lessen the
possible effect of disasters such as Flash
flood and landslides. The officials must take
action prior to the estimated time of
development of the area. The residents’
volunteerism and will to help in making
their community to be safe from flash floods
is a big help for the officials in managing
their Action plan towards the effects of the
Flood during the First Quarter of 2021. With
the existing donations from the public and
other City officials, as well as with the help
of the residents it could be possible for the
development of the river barriers, cleaning
of drainage system, waste management and
planting trees to be finished in a month or
two, with an estimated total budget of Php
150,000 - Php 200,000 for the overall action
plan.
References
Carrasco, A. R., Ferreira, O., Mattias, A., &
Freire, P. (2012). Philippines – Flash Floods
Destroy Dozens of Homes in Western
Visayas. Ocean & Coastal Management:
Flood Hazard Assessment and Management
of Fetch-Limited Coastal Environments,
65(15–25), 15–25.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/articl
e/pii/S0964569112000865
Conclusion | Ministry for the Environment.
(2004). Ministry for the Environment.
https://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/climat
e-change/preparing-future-flooding-guide-
local-government-new-zealand/conclusion
Cruz, N. H. (2013, September 25). Why the
frequent floods, and how to prevent them.
INQUIRER.Net.
https://opinion.inquirer.net/61887/why-the-
frequent-floods-and-how-to-prevent-them
Ellera, T. D. (2021, January 10). Negros
Occidental floods leave 2 dead. Sunstar.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1882409
/Bacolod/Local-News/Negros-Occidental-
floods-leave-2-dead
Espina, M. P. (2021, January 11). Negros
Occidental floods kill 2, displace over
70,000. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/negros-
occidental-floods-kill-displace-january-11
Espina, M. P. (2021a, January 1). Thousands
in Negros Occidental greet New Year with
flash floods. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/negros-
occidental-greet-new-year-2021-with-flash-
floods
Guadalquiver, N. (2021, January 12). Over
1K houses damaged by floods in northern
Negros. Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1127145
Klippe, A. (2019, January 29). The cause of
flood is not poor drainage system. Flood
Control Asia RS.
https://floodcontrol.asia/cause-of-floods-is-
not-poor-drainage/
Online, T. S. (2014, November 7).
Deforestation the cause of flood. The
Star Online.
https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/
2014/11/08/deforestation-the-cause-of-flood
Rappler.com. (2021, January 13). IN
PHOTOS: Heavy rain causes flash floods in
Negros Occidental. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/agos/phot
os-heavy-rain-flash-floods-negros-
occidental-january-2021
Appendices
(Pictures Taken During Interview)
5
Figure1: Interview with Barangay. Captain Figure5: Interview with Barangay Kagawad

Figure2: Interview with Resident 1 Figure6: Creek in Barangay Zone XI

(Pictures Taken During the Flood)

Figure3: Interview with Resident 2

Figure1: Overflowing Flood level in the creek

Figure4: Interview with Resident3

Figure2: Creek after the flood

6
 Answer: The areas that are prone to
flooding I think are those near the river,
Rizal and Brgy. Zone 11.

Q5: What do you think are the possible

ways that you can do to lessen the flooding
in the area?
Answer: planting trees, proper waste
segregation can be a big help to lessen the
effect or damages of flood.
Figure3: Overflowing Flood level in the residence
area
RESPONDENT #2

Q1: At what level or height did the flood

QUESTION &. ANSWERS in the
reach during the typhoon?
Interview
Answer: It reaches waist level.
RESPONDENT #1
Q2:What do you think are the possible
reasons that caused flooding in your
Q1: At what level or height did the flood
city/area?
reach during the typhoon?
Answer: January 2 , 2021 made a history in
Answer : Possible reasons that causes in our
Brgy. zone 11. It's the most destructive flood
area are deforestation and the drainage of
that occurs in the area. Everyone is busy
canals are already full of garbages which
celebrating the new years eve and without
prevent water from flowing. Then, the
any idea around 2am the flood occupied the
agricultural environment in higher areas are
area easily. The current water is heavy , and
now being constructed into commercial
the flood water reached up to the roof of the
buildings , resorts and subdivisions, which is
house. Also, there's no enough rescue team
supposed to be a restricted because it's
to evacuate the residents easily. Many
where trees are being planted to prevent
stayed above their roofs and others are at the
floods from lower areas.
top of the trees. The residents have not yet
recovered but unfortunately in January 08
Q3: What are the damages that the flood
another flood occurred and it's more
have caused in your area?
disturbing than the latter. Almost 95% of
Answer: it affected our livelihood, the
the barangay was disturbed by the flood.
crops, and destruction of resident’s houses.
Q2: what do you think are the possible
Q4: Which area (s) are prone to flooding?
reasons that caused flood in your cities/area?
Answer: The areas that are prone to
Answer: The improper waste disposal,
flooding are those who are near the sea ,
cutting down of trees and low river barriers.
river and lowlands.
Q3: What are the damages that the flood
Q5: What do you think are the possible
have caused in your area?
ways that you can do to lessen the flooding
Answer: Residential houses, stores, animals
in the area?
like pigs are the most damaged during
Answer: for me planting trees and proper
floods. The people situated at the seaside are
waste disposal is the least that I can do to
the ones who received most damages.
help lessen disastrous effect of flood in our
Area.
Q4: Which area(s) are prone to flooding?
RESPONDENT #3
7

Q1: At what level or height did the flood
reach during the typhoon Rolly and
Ulysses?
Answer: It reaches our window, and
continues to rise.
Q2: What do you think are the possible
reasons that cause flooding in your area?
Answer: Garbage is the main reason why
flooding is present in our area. It's not being
disposed of properly. Also, the rock strength
at the both sides of the river (or the cliff)
that is being used to avoid garbage from
scattering and in order to prevent water from
reaching the housing areas is getting small.
Q3: What are the damages that the flood
have caused in your area?
Answer: Heavy rain causes flood and this
flood results in multiple damages. First, it
destroys the livestock and environment. The
area is covered with muds and affects the
livelihood of the residents, especially those
who depend on agriculture. Also the
properties and the houses of the residents are
the most damaged during floods. Many
experience loss of belongings and due to the
heavy flow of the water some of the houses
are being taken away.
Q4: which area(s) are prone to flooding?
Answer: I think our area(Brgy. 11) is prone
to flooding, also those in low areas, Rizal,
and near the river.
Q5: what do you think are the possible ways
that you can do to prevent the flooding in
the area?
Answer: Flood can't be stopped but it can
minimize or lessen damages through
different ways. First , is to strengthen the
cliff or the "pika²". Second, observed proper
garbage disposal. Third, deepen the creek.
Lastly, the most important thing is to plant
trees.
RESPONDENT #4
Q1:At what level or height did the flood
reach during the typhoon Rolly and Ulysses?
Answer: Waist level
Q2: What do you think are the possible
reasons that caused flooding in your cities/
areas?
Answer: I think the first reason why it's
caused flooding in my area is deforestation.
Second, our garbage as we can see it's cause
why there is always flood in my area.
Q3:What are the damages that the flood has
caused in your area?
Answer: The flood caused many damages
like houses, bridges, and structure. The
infrastructure such as power plants, roads
and bridges are damaged and disrupted,
some economic activities may come to a
standstill, people are forced to leave their
homes and normal life is disrupted.
Q4: Which areas are prone to flooding?
Answer: The areas that are more likely to
have floods anytime are the river or lake. In
our areas the places that are prone to floods
are like Rizal, Centro and etc.
Q5: What do you think are the possible
things you can do to prevent flooding in the
area?
Answer: I think the best way to prevent
flooding is to manage our garbage not only
us but everyone must do so. Like for
example people who lived in bridges will be
responsible for their garbage and will not
throw it into the river. It is because the more
garbage the more will cause flooding and
the water will not flow continuously. For
addition we must plant trees to prevent it.
RESPONDENT #5
Q1: At what level or height did the flood
reach during the typhoon Rolly and Ulysses?
Answer: It continues to rise a heavy rain
falls, but the flood is waist level.
Q2: What do you think are the possible
reasons that caused flooding in your cities/
areas?
8
Answer: The first reason is the garbage but
all the (imbornal) garbage or waste from the
subdivision flow in the river. It was a result
of rainwater and the garbage so the flood
increased in our area
Q3: What are the damages that the flood has
caused in your area?
Answer: It destroyed a lot of structures and
livelihood, the houses of other residents and
the things of the residents where they get
their income everyday.
time to answer the interview questions and
participate in our study.
To Ms. Mary Grace Langcoy for
her
Guidance, Span of time allotted and
gracious support through the course of their
work. Without her, the researchers would
not be able to make the study successful and
would have been lost the entire time. So the
researchers extend a never ending gratitude
and acknowledge to her.

Q4: Which areas are prone to flooding? To the Authors and Organizations
Answer: Rizal, Centro, and those who were which gave the researchers citations and
near the river are prone to flooding when informations needed for this study.
heavy rainfall strikes.
Lastly the Researchers for giving
Q5:What do you think are the possible ways their full time and effort in making this
you can do to prevent flooding in the area? study possible.
Answer: We can use a lot to prevent floods.
First is the river is not just a garbage dump.
The canals must be enlarged so that it will
not obstruct the flow of water and not
increase the flood.

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to

express their deep gratitude to the following
who have been part of their study.

First and foremost, the researchers would

like to thank the Almighty God above for
giving the researchers courage and wisdom
to make through this study and willingness
to do every part of it. The researchers would
have given up if it wasn’t because of his
grace and blessings, this study would not
have been possible.

To the researchers’ Parents, this

study would not be possible without their
support and guidance. The researchers
would like to acknowledge their full support
and trust to each one of the researchers.

To the Respondents who gave their

full cooperation and spared some of their