Extra rise

How increasing water levels pose a threat to the Philippines

- By JOYCE REYES-AGUILA

Think of the temporary impact flooding brings in your life. It could damage your property, delay your travel time, and make you cancel plans. Consider what flooding causes nationwide, from human injury to loss of life, damage to structures like bridges and roads, disturbance in economic activities such as the transportation of goods, and more.

Now imagine the water not receding and permanently inundating where you live, work, or spend your vacations. Picture the temporary inconveniences of flooding being long-term.

Flooding is already contributing to land loss in many parts of the world. In a 2019 Insider article, it said 11 cities could possibly disappear by 2100 due to rising sea levels and land subsidence — both linked to climate change. The cities included Jakarta, Indonesia; Venice, Italy; Houston, Texas; and Bangkok, Thailand.