QUEZON CITY — In anticipation of the potential arrival of Super Typhoon “Mawar” in the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) are fully prepared.
Acting Chairman of MMDA and Chairperson of MMDRRMC, Atty. Don Artes, assured that there is close and efficient coordination among relevant government agencies and local government units in Metro Manila.
Artes stated, “MMDRRMC members will closely monitor weather updates and situations around the clock, while disaster response units will be vigilant for potential flooding in flood-prone areas and waterways.”
The MMDA’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, comprising 20 trained rescuers specializing in water search and rescue operations, is on standby for deployment. These rescuers are equipped with life vests, wet suits, boats, and water rescue helmets to ensure the safety of disaster victims. Additionally, they have rescue cans, throw ropes, and life buoys to aid in rescuing victims in water.
Artes mentioned that critical areas have been identified in coordination with Metro Manila LGUs for possible mobilization of personnel and assets in the event of flooding. He stated, “Teams are prepared, equipped, and trained, with open communication lines with the LGUs to enable immediate dispatch if necessary.”
Ready for deployment are rubber boats, aluminum boats, fiberglass boats, lifevests, rescue vehicles, and military trucks. All boats have sufficient life vests based on passenger capacity.
Artes conducted a pre-disaster assessment meeting today with heads of MMDRRMC member agencies and officers from local disaster risk reduction and management councils. The meeting aimed to discuss preparedness measures in response to the southwest monsoon (Habagat) intensified 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 was also present.
The meeting focused on addressing potential water disturbances in Metro Manila and ensuring an effective response is in place. Weather updates and hazard situations were reported by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) at the gathering held in the MMDA New Building in Pasig City. 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 shared their preparedness measures.
Furthermore, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System provided updates on initiatives to tackle the impending water crisis and the El Niño phenomenon. (mmda/pia-ncr)
