Manila, July 14 -- The city government here is implementing critical drainage improvements to prevent a repeat of floods caused by monsoon rains that affected more than 5,000 Bacolodnons over the weekend.

This is among the immediate remedies and long-term flood mitigation strategies discussed by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez during the special meeting of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday.

Among the immediate actions is the emergency dredging of the Mandalagan shoreline and Banago River.

"All departments and the City Council should work together. Let's have quick and real solutions. Let's get it done," Gasataya said in a statement.

He also ordered identifying the opt...