A few days ago, we had a horrendous flooding incident in Davao City brought about by extended rain which turned Mamay Road and most of Davao City’s streets into rivers.
And we almost became a casualty of the flood that night because we didn’t wait long enough before going home.
We should’ve waited longer for the flood to subside but I was itching to get home because I was tired.
Sometimes we have to listen to our wife if she says something is a bad idea.
So anyway, the day started out just fine. My dad was in town because he attended a wedding with his staff but this was their last day in the city.
So we scheduled a lunch at Yellow Fin in Matina.
It was a sunny day that turned gloomy in the afternoon.
Everyone had eaten their fill and since Yellowfin closes at 2PM for some routine maintenance, we transferred to Green Coffee which was located almost right beside it. We had some coffee and some cakes while waiting for his staff’s ride to Tandag.
They were going to ride with a co-worker because they brought along a Revo for long-distance travel.
Anyway, we spent a few hours at Green Coffee until 5PM to 530PM. When their ride finally arrived, we also headed back to Mamay Road where my father was checked in.
My wife said we should wait it out a bit.
I said it wouldn’t be a problem.
It Really Wasn’t a Problem Until it Became One
At 6PM, it wasn’t really that bad.
I mean we were driving a pickup truck and our ground clearance was significantly higher than that of a conventional car so flooding wasn’t that much of an issue. The route we took was Quimpo to Agdao but we entered the inner road that would lead us to SM Lanang parallel to R. Castillo. For the most part, it was uneventful.
It was slow because there was traffic but reasonable enough. We reached Zuno St. without any incident and proceeded to Jerome using one of the smaller roads with the intention to turn right and head back to R. Castillo St.
But instead, we turned left to go to the street that would help us exit towards Mandaue foam.
That’s when we encountered the massive flood.
So from Quimpo all the way to the subdivision behind Mandaue foam we didn’t have an issue. We started following these other SUVs who were traversing the knee deep water.
I had a bad feeling about wading through that water but I could not get out of my predicament because there was already another vehicle tailgating behind me. My wife then suggested we take a different route which led us to even deeper water.
But we managed to cross it and stalled just once.
We got out near the Guadalupe subdivision entrance shaken by the experience. My son slept through the entire thing without realizing what a harrowing experience his mom, dad, and grandpa went through.
Good thing my dad was there to calmly instruct me when our vehicle stalled.
Plans to Make the Pickup Flood-proof
Because of that ordeal, I have decded to make the pickup flood-proof (or as flood-proof as I can manage).
Because we went through flooded waters, I had to spend the next 2 days drying the engine bay, the belts and the headlights.
I do not want to go through that experience again.
So here’s what I need to do to make the pickup flood-proof.
1. Install a Snorkel – this is priority number one. A snorkel raises your air intake so your engine can still breathe clean air even if the water level reaches above the hood. We may need to get a professional to cut into the fender t install it correctly but I think it’s something my brother-in-law can do without any issue.
2. Install a Suspension Lift Kit – raising your ground clearance reduces the chance of water entering sensitive parts like the transmission, differentials, and electronics under the chassis. I think a conservative 2-inch lift will do us some good. But… if I can find one that provides a 4-inch lift… well… that would be great for looks but not for handling. Oh decisions, decisions.
3. Differential Breather Extensions – I just read it somewhere that I’m going to need it for pressure equalization, because if your differential breathers are ubmerged, they can suck in water. That means emulsified gear oil, which is a recipe for breakdown.
4. Underbody Protection & Sealing – I’ll need underbody armor and skid plates because there’s a lot of debris in our flood waters that could affect the electronics and other vital parts. I’ll also probably need more sealing to reduce the risk of circuits shorting out.
5. Heavy-Duty Practical Tires – we currently have some all-terrain treads installed but I’m planning on buying city tires since we don’t really go off-road with our pickup. I also don’t drive too fast so it should be more than enough grip for slightly wet roads.
6. Raise Electrical Components – even with a snorkel, if your alternator or ECU is submerged, you’re still dead in the water. So, I might have to ask for it to be relocated if it is still a reasonable expense.
7. Winch & Recovery Gear (Optional) – A winch, tow straps, and recovery boards can get you out if the floodwaters bring mud or debris and you end up dead in the water. I’m also considering the purchase of a small kayak as an emergency equipment if I have no choice. I know the winch alone is going to be a massive purchase but… it’s better to be prepared, right?
Practical Reminders for Davao Driving
Sometimes the best flood-proofing is knowing when not to cross. If the water is moving fast or higher than your headlights, even a modified L200 might get into trouble.
We got into trouble with our stock vehicle. But I don’t want to test fate again.
It’s much too expensive and there re too many things at stake if I allow that to happen.
Stay safe everyone.
