Not only in the Philippines, urban disasters spotlight strain on Asian cities

BANGKOK - Deadly floods, power blackouts and traffic gridlock -- many of Asia's biggest cities are buckling under the strain of rapid economic development, extreme weather, and an exodus from the countryside.

Poor strategic planning, paltry investment in infrastructure, and a lack of political will have also left the region's overcrowded metropolises highly vulnerable to the pressures of climate change, experts say.

Over the past year Bangkok and Manila have been hit by the most devastating floods in decades, while India recently suffered the world's worst-ever power blackout due to surging demand from industry, homes and offices.

Where's the Marikina mayor?

MANILA, Philippines – Marikina Vice Mayor Jose Fabian Cadiz on Friday explained the absence of the city's executive head at the height of the monsoon rains the past few days.

Cadiz said Mayor Del De Guzman left for the United States last Friday to attend a conference on environment.

Still reeling from the heavy rains brought by tropical cyclone "Gener" last week, Metro Manila and nearby areas were again hit by strong monsoon rains on Sunday, leaving most parts of the metropolis under water.

Cadiz said De Guzman decided not to attend the conference and fly back to Manila, but was not able to secure a ticket.

"Hindi na siya naka-attend, [sinubukan niyang] kumuha ng ticket pero peak season daw. He had a hard time looking for a ticket but now he's coming back to be with us during our time of need," Cadiz told ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda.

Cadiz serves as the second in command and has been actively overseeing rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit city.

"As vice mayor, I have to fill in for him because it is my duty and responsibility," he added.

Genesis 8:7-12 and 8-7-12: A mere coincidence

At the height of heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon, Filipinos on Twitter wondered whether the downpour is linked to a biblical passage which coincided with the date, Aug. 7, 2012.
 
"Genesis 8: 7-12 is about Noah's Ark. Today is 8-7-12. What do you think? Coincidence or not?" netizens said, as the verse became a top trending Twitter topic.

Emergency Numbers: Philippine Government Agencies + PAGASA's color-coded warning signals

Stay safe and dry as floods are inevitable in most of Metro Manila during Rainy season. So take note of the following numbers that comes in handy in case of emergency: