Metro Manila braces for impact of Super Typhoon Pepito

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have started mobilizing its search and rescue equipment and other resources in preparation for the potential impact of Super Typhoon Pepito.

In Malabon City, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval has placed the city under red alert status and activated the 21 barangays’ disaster risk reduction and management councils for the evacuation of residents.

Apart from mobility assets, the city government had already prepared evacuation centers where residents can seek shelter.

Sandoval yesterday visited the city’s disaster risk reduction and management office and inspected the readiness of their personnel.

In Caloocan City, Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan yesterday put on alert their disaster response teams, led by the city disaster risk reduction and management department.

Malapitan also inspected their rubber boats and other mobility assets.

“Let us pray that the storm will weaken or dissipate completely so that it will no longer cause devastation to any area,” he said in a statement.

In Mandaluyong, the local government has ordered billboard owners to roll down all billboards to prevent mishaps and ensure public safety.

The Pasig City government under Mayor Vico Sotto has ordered building contractors to secure tower cranes, construction elevators, gondolas, lifters and other construction machinery.

Billboard operators in the city have been directed also to roll down signages and other advertising materials.

In Marikina City, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro yesterday urged his constituents to prepare for the super typhoon.

Rescue assets and other equipment were mobilized by the city government yesterday in preparation for Pepito’s impact.

Teodoro ordered the prepositioning of rubber boats and other rescue vehicles to ensure quick response in the city’s 16 barangays.

Evacuation centers with modular tents had been already established to accommodate evacuees.

Teodoro directed camp managers of evacuation centers to regularly monitor updates of the typhoon’s movement.

During cyclones, the local government keeps a close watch on the Marikina River. First alarm is raised when its water level reaches 15 meters.

The San Juan City government also mobilized its rescue and emergency response equipment yesterday.

Mayor Francis Zamora yesterday said the city environment and natural resources office had already trimmed trees and also cleared waterways of garbage to ensure proper flow of water in drainage systems.

Canals also have been declogged to minimize flooding.

Zamora said the San Juan Gym is ready to serve as an evacuation center for families that would be evacuated from the city’s 21 barangays.

“Our San Juan Police, San Juan Bureau of Fire Protection and barangay officials and personnel are ready to assist in rescue and relief operations,” he said in a Facebook post.