MMDA places rescue teams in Metro south

MANILA, Philippinwa - The Metropolitan Manila Devlopment Authority (MMDA) on Thursday convened the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in preparation for the effects of supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Yolanda is expected to affect southern Metro Manila by Friday afternoon.

PAGASA said Yolanda is expeted to dump 10 milimeters of rainfall per hour on southern Metro Manila. PAGASA said Yolanda is closest to Metro Manila at 8 p.m.  Friday. PAGASA added that Yolanda will also be packing winds of 30 kilometers per hour.

PAGASA said Metro Manila will be placed under signal number one Friday.

In response, the MMDA placed southern Metro Manila under full alert with the cities of Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa expected to be hit by flashfloods.

"We will be pre-positioning rescue units in these areas," said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.

Tolentino added that the Department of Public Works and Highways will also be suspending its road reblocking projects on EDSA and in southern Metro Manila.

"We will be on full red alert status in southern Metro Manila with the rest of Metro Manila under blue alert status," said Tolentino.

The MMDA, on the suggestion of the PAGASA is also recommending the suspension of elementary classes in southern Metro Manila. The MMDA is also recommending that work be also suspended in southern Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office on Thursday placed the Southern Police District under full alert with its units being prepared to render rescue operations in the affected areas.