July 2024
On the 2024 Habagat- and Typhoon Carina-induced flood disaster: a preliminary analysis
Scientist group AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People debunked Marcos Jr. ‘s claim that the flooding disaster experienced earlier this week after Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Habagat hit the country was caused by climate change and improper trash disposal. In a preliminary analysis paper, AGHAM pinpointed the Marcos Jr. administration’s poor disaster risk reduction and management structure, and its corruption-laden and ineffective flood-control projects as the major culprits of the recent disaster.
November 2023
Rapid Impact Assessment of Oil Spill in Oriental Mindoro
AGHAM, along with other members of Brigada Kalikasan, conducted a rapid impact assessment of the impacts of the oil spill brought by the capsized MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro. Ocular observation, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and surveys were done to assess the socio-economic, health, and environmental impacts in four barangays (Maidlang, Navotas, Lazareto, Silonay) in Calapan and in two more (Misong, Tagumpay) in Pola.
December 2020
Analyzing Flood Events in Marikina, Rizal and Cagayan Valley related to Typhoon Ulysses
On November 11, Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Typhoon Vamco) made landfall in the Philippines and caused widespread damage to eight provinces in the island group of Luzon. The most notable flooding events were in Marikina City in Metro Manila, adjacent Rizal province, and in Region 2 or Cagayan Valley in northeastern Luzon. This study analyzes the flooding events in these localities to identify key factors and how to mitigate risk. Four main determinants stand out: (1) the degradation of natural watersheds (2) the marginalization of the poor that render them vulnerable and exposed to disasters, (3) stop-gap solutions that do not address the roots of our disaster vulnerability, and (4) that the national government remains unprepared for disaster. Policy priorities among other reforms are recommended based on this assessment.