Meralco issues reminders it places crew on standby over 'Ramil'

MANILA, Philippines — Electricity distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said its crew is fully prepared and on standby to respond swiftly to any power disruptions brought by Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen), which continues to affect Luzon.

In a statement on Sunday, October 19, Meralco said it is closely monitoring the storm’s movement, as wind signals remain raised across parts of its service area.

“Our crews and personnel are strategically positioned and remain on standby 24/7 to address any power-related issues,” said Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications.

“We urge our customers to prioritize safety and stay alert, especially in areas prone to flooding,” he added.

Safety reminders. The company reminded customers to take electrical safety precautions in case of heavy rains or flooding, such as turning off the main power switch, unplugging appliances and ensuring that all electrical equipment is completely dry before use.

As of 5 p.m., Ramil was located 85 kilometers west-northwest of Iba, Zambales, with six provinces under Signal No. 2, and 29 provinces under Signal No. 1 as it continued to move away from Luzon.

Meralco said it would continue to issue advisories through its official social media pages for updates on restoration activities and power interruptions in affected areas.