Thousands still in Metro Manila evacuation centers

MANILA, Philippines —  As floodwaters continue to submerge several areas in Metro Manila due to monsoon rains, thousands of residents remain in evacuation centers in Pasig, Valenzuela, Malabon and other cities.

In Valenzuela, at least 1,860 displaced families are still in evacuation sites, according to the city’s alert and monitoring station.

Several roads remained impassable to light vehicles, especially in Barangays Pasolo and Balangkas.

MacArthur Highway and roads in Barangays Maysan and Bagbaguin are passable to all types of vehicles.

In Pasig, 1,463 families or 5,628 people are still taking shelter in 19 evacuation centers in 11 barangays.

In Malabon, the local government reported that 906 families are staying in 21 evacuation centers as 20 roads in the city remained flooded.

In Manila, fewer roads were submerged in floodwaters yesterday, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Mail trucks delivering aid

The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) is using its mail trucks in delivering the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s relief assistance to typhoon victims.

PHLPost said it has dispatched two trucks to pick up 3,400 food packs at the DSWD national operations center, which would be delivered to flooded areas in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

PHLPost provides logistics support to the national government’s relief operations.

Acting Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III said PHLPost has been coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense and the DSWD.

Donate to flood victims

Caritas Manila, the social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, sought donations for families affected by monsoon rains.

With a donation of P500, Caritas said it could provide a medicine kit consisting of alcohol, bandages, antiseptic agent, cotton, gauze, paracetamol and hot and cold compress.

A donation of P1,000 could be used to provide a food pack with one kilo of rice, canned goods, noodles, mung beans, oatmeal, salt and sugar as well as potable water.

PCG gets more rescue boats

Amid heavy rainfall spawned by Tropical Storms Dante and Emong as well as the southwest monsoon, the Philippine Coast Guard has procured 10 more emergency rubber boats to improve the PCG’s response during rescue operations.

“These life-saving assets will be utilized by the Deployable Response Groups in various locations, ensuring timely assistance during calamities and emergencies,” the PCG said in a statement. –  Evelyn Macairan, Ghio Ong