MMDA on alert for 'Glenda'

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday said it is on alert for the expected effects of Tropical Storm "Glenda" on Metro Manila.

Glenda (international name Rammasun) is expected to make landfall in the Bicol area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA said that Metro Manila, which was placed under public storm warning signal number one, is among the areas that will be directly affected by the tropical cyclone.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said as part of the agency's contingency measures, billboards across Metro Manila will have to be rolled down and local government units (LGU) with flood-prone areas in the metro will also be placed under alert.

Tolentino said rescue teams from various LGUs are also ready to be deployed in coordination with the MMDA’s Metrobase and Flood Control and Information Center (FCIC). Among the LGUs poised to launch rescue teams if needed are the cities of San Juan, Pasay, Taguig and Marikina.

Tolentino said primary focus of the MMDA’s flood control team are the 22 flood-prone areas in Metro Manila that were earlier identified by the agency.

“Yung 22 flood prone areas naka preposition ngayon yun. Hindi naman ibig sabihin naka preposition ay hindi na babaha dun. Hindi ito yung life threatening na baha. Ito yung street flood na nakakdulot ng traffic so ang purpose nila pabilisin yung paghupa lalong lalo na during thunderstorms ito iba to kasi bagyo na to so kahit ganun pa man pipilitin nila mapahupa,” said Tolentino. According to Tolentino, the Department of Public Works and Highways has an equipment from Japan which could pump out floodwater faster.

Tolentino said that should a storm signal number one be declared over Metro Manila, the Pasig Ferry service will also be suspended.

“Nag-automatic kami sa ferry kasi sa safe side ako. So walang biyahe hanngang signal number 1,” said Tolentino.