Thousands affected by typhoon-induced monsoon rains
MANILA – Over 10,000 persons have been affected by almost unabated rains in the National Capital Region and its nearby provinces.
PAGASA’s Joey Figuracion said the almost continuous rains that Metro Manila residents experienced were brought by the southwest monsoon that was influenced by typhoon “Fabian.”
“The monthly rainfall in Iba, Zambales has been recorded at 838 millimeters. However, today, we recorded 711.5 millimeters already. The same holds true with Baguio City where the rains as of today is more than half of the monthly rainfall,” Figuracion said.
The different local government units have attended to their constituents’ needs just like Quezon City where different agencies responded to the needs of 745 families from 11 different barangays. The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has declared the “Orange Status” as they continue their search and rescue operations in low-lying areas in 10 barangays.
As early as Wednesday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered the prepositioning of the needed supplies in potentially affected areas.
The Philippine Coast Guard has already fielded their personnel to attend to residents decided to leave their homes and settle for temporary shelters in mostly government school buildings.
Some 626 families composed of 2,005 persons were assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard in Cavite Province.
They also helped in the evacuation of 225 families from the towns of Noveleta, Rosario, Ternate and Naic in Cavite Province.
The Philippine Coast Guard elements in Southern Leyte assisted the 18-man crew of MV Danica Martina which encountered engine trouble at 12:08 PM today.
They also assisted the 10-man crew of Motor banca Island Breeze that capsized some 250 meters from Pio Duran Port in Albay province at about 7:45 A.M. No casualties were reported in both incidents.
Six barangays in the City of Manila reported 432 families or 1,551 persons have been temporarily housed at seven evacuation centers due to continuous rains and strong waves from Manila Bay.
The evacuated residents came from Isla Puting Bato, Parola and Baseco, among others.
The Department of Public Works and Highways reported the closure of five roads while limiting access to seven other roads due to flooding.
The closed roads are in Baguio, Sabangan, Mt. Province, Abra and Kalinga provinces, the Busa Bridge in Mt. Province, Mindoro West Coastal Road as well as Manila-Cavite Road. They also reported the closure albeit temporarily, including the Balanga-Mariveles Road due to the collapse of its wheel guard.
At the National Capital Region, two national road sections remain unpassable due to floods, Pasig City’s Imelda Avenue and in Quirino Avenue in Paranaque-Las Pinas area.
DPWH said engineers fielded some 338 of its personnel with 51 different equipment and service vehicles to monitor and restore access within the affected areas. (Melo M. Acuña)
Manila City officials attend to displaced barangay residents at a basketball court (left) while Philippine Coast Guard elements rescue affected Cavite residents in separate operations as monsoon rains impact in western portion of the main island of Luzon. (Photo Credits/ Pat Santos and Philippine Coast Guard)