Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring water purifiers in Bicol communities affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority deployed a 30-man clearing team and 20-man search and rescue team to assist in areas hit by heavy rains and floods.
The team brought with them 40 solar-powered water filtration systems, one aluminum boat, two engine-operated rubber boats, 20 small fiberglass boats, 1000 life vests, six chainsaws, modular evacuation tents, and medicines for leptospirosis.
“The team cleared roads from debris that can impede mobility and accessibility.”
According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the team cleared roads from debris that can impede mobility and accessibility while the search and rescue team conducted water search and rescue for flooded areas.
Moreover, Artes addressed questions raised on the timing of the assets’ deployment.
The MMDA chief said the agency wanted to ensure first that Metro Manila, which is under its primary jurisdiction, is safe from the typhoon.
“We also prepared in the event that the NCR will be hit by the typhoon that’s why we decided to dispatch half of our assets to the Bicol region.”
“We also prepared in the event that the NCR will be hit by the typhoon that’s why we decided to dispatch half of our assets to the Bicol region. The other half is ready to respond in case NCR will be hit by this weather disturbance. We are continuously coordinating and monitoring the situation in the metropolis through advisories released by PAGASA,” he explained.
The MMDA coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) which determined the exact areas where the agency’s contingent and resources will be dispatched.
Food packs from institutional donors were distributed to affected individuals.
The MMDA activated its emergency operations center and conducted an inventory of assets of the local government units in Metro Manila. Some of them were already prepositioned, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Artes also said that all pumping stations are operational.
