Metro Manila prepares for 'Emong'

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) activated yesterday the local chapters of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in Metro Manila after Storm Signal No. 1 was raised in the metropolis due to typhoon “Emong.”

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales directed his five district directors to coordinate with the NDCC in monitoring low-lying areas in Metro Manila and preparing contingency plans such as mass evacuation.

 “We should identify low-lying areas where residents should be evacuated once the floodwaters rise,” said Rosales, adding that the local Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should also be alerted for them to attend to the projected evacuees.

Rosales activated the NDCC in coordination with the mayors of the 16 cities and a municipality in Metro Manila following the raising of Storm Signal No. 1 in the metropolis.

He said as of 2 p.m. yesterday, no areas in Metro Manila were flooded. While scattered rains continue hitting Metro Manila yesterday, Rosales said the NCRPO is closely watching low-lying areas of perennially flooded Malabon and Navotas.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco directed members of the city disaster council to be on “red alert” for the next 72 hours and to stand ready to evacuate those living near coastal areas.

The Navotas Action Center will relay vital messages to concerned departments, school authorities and the public in cases of high tide and typhoon alerts. Its emergency hotlines are 281-4174, 283-0287 and Text Mayor Toby 09165992258 and 09188378113.

In Malabon, Mayor Canuto Oreta said he has directed all concerned offices to be ready in the next 24 hours until “Emong” arrives.

Bong Padua, city public information office chief, urged city residents to call the city’s disaster hotlines 281-4999 locals 6001, 6002 and 1005.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said rising waters along parts already flooded by the Polo River are being pumped out.

Marither Menia, city public information office chief, said the most flood-affected areas are most barangays of District 1, and comprise nearly half of the city’s 32 barangays.

Caloocan, the least flood-affected among the cities in this area, early on announced it has intensified the clearing and declogging of esteros and natural waterways, particularly in the Dagat-Dagatan area shared with neighbors Malabon and Navotas. – With Jerry Botial