QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) are all geared up for the possible onslaught of Super Typhoon “Mawar,” which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday.
MMDA Acting Chairman and concurrent MMDRRMC Chairperson Atty. Don Artes assured that there is close and prompt coordination among concerned government agencies and Metro Manila local government units.
"MMDRRMC members shall monitor round-the-clock weather updates and situations, while disaster response units will monitor potential flooding in flood prone areas and waterways," said Artes.
On standby for deployment, Artes said, is MMDA's Urban Search and Rescue Team, composed of 20 rescuers trained in water search and rescue operations. Rescuers are equipped with life vests, wet suits, boats, and water rescue helmets when rescuing disaster victims. They also have rescue cans, throw ropes, and life buoys to aid in rescuing victims on the water.
Artes said they have already identified critical areas in coordination with the Metro Manila LGUs for the possible mobilization of personnel and assets in case of flooding.
"Teams are prepared, equipped, and trained. Communication lines are open with the LGUs so that teams will be immediately dispatched if needed," said Artes.
Assets ready for dispatch are rubber boats, aluminum boats, fiberglass boats, life vests, rescue vehicles, and military trucks. All boats have life vests in accordance with its passenger capacities.
Artes also met today with MMDRRMC heads of member agencies and local disaster risk reduction and management council officers during a pre-disaster assessment meeting to tackle the preparedness measures in response to the southwest monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by Super Typhoon "Mawar."
MMDRRMC Senior Vice Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-NCR Regional Director Romulo M. Cabantac Jr. and Assistant General Manager for Operations Officer-in-Charge Atty. Victor Pablo C. Trinidad also joined Artes.
The discussion focused on addressing the potential impacts of water disturbances in Metro Manila and ensuring an effective response is in place.
In the meeting held at the MMDA New Building in Pasig City, weather updates and hazard situations were reported by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA). The Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DILG), DOST, and the OCD-NCR reported their preparedness measures.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System reported initiatives on the looming water crisis and the El Niño phenomenon. (mmda/pia-ncr)
