Timely call
ADMITTEDLY, swimming in floodwaters is extremely dangerous.
Aside from drowning, floodwaters contaminated with sewage can cause a variety of diseases, such as leptospirosis, diarrhea and typhoid fever.
During the rainy season, these dreaded diseases claim the lives of many Filipinos, mostly children, not only in Metropolitan Manila (MM) but elsewhere.
That is why local government units (LGUs) would do well to prohibit swimming in floodwaters as proposed by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.
Zamora urged MM mayors to come up with ordinances banning swimming in floodwaters to address the rising numbert of leptospirosis cases in the region.
It is public knowledge that many low-lying areas in the heavily-populated National Capital Region (NCR) go under murky floodwaters during the rainy season.
In fact, these areas are transformed into giant “swimming pools” after just a brief but heavy downpour, worrying parents and other well-meaning people.
“Talagang nakakabahala ito dahil alam naman natin na kung anu-anong basura ang inaanod ng tubig-baha,” an exasperated mother said.
Thus, prohibiting swimming in floodwaters not only in the metropolis but throughout the country is a move in the right direction.
