Preemptive evacuation in Manila's low-lying areas - report

MANILA, Philippines - People living in low-lying areas in the capital city were preemptively evacuated on Thursday in anticipation of more rains from the southwest monsoon.

The state news agency reported that according to Johnny Yu, officer-in-charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the directive was prompted by the expected strong rains Thursday based on the yellow rainfall alert issued by weather bureau PAGASA.

Those who were evacuated were residents of areas such as those along the San Juan River, Manila Bay, Baseco Compound and Parola.

Yu said such preemptive evacuation assures the safety of affected residents. They also advised families in different evacuation centers not to return yet to their respective houses.

So far, there are a total of 3,122 families or 12,289 individuals who are still staying in 17 evacuation centers in different parts of Manila.

Since Sunday, the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Maring dumped heavy rains over Luzon. Several provinces and cities, including those in the metro, have been declared under a state of calamity.

Metro Manila was severely flooded, prompting the national government to suspend work and classes last Monday and Tuesday.