MMDA readies rescue assets, identifies critical areas for Mawar

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said it has prepared assets for rescue operations and identified critical areas for the possible impact of super typhoon Mawar (international name).

“Ngayong umaga nag-inspect po tayo ng ating mga gamit, mga rescue equipment, particularly yung ating mga bangka…Ganun din po yung ating mga tauhan para sa rescue ay atin na pong pinulong,” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said at a press conference.

(We inspected our rescue equipment, particularly boats, this morning. Also, we already had a meeting with our rescue personnel.)

Mawar is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Once inside PAR, it will be called Betty.

According to Artes, the rescue equipment that would be used for the operations are fiberglass boats, aluminum boats, rubber boats, and life vests, among others.

Aside from the MMDA, Artes said local government units in the National Capital Region are also “ready” and “equipped” to respond to the possible impact of the super typhoon. He also said declogging of drainage systems are being conducted to prevent floods.

Billboards will be taken down to avoid accidents due to the expected strong winds brought by the super typhoon, he added.

Artes said “critical areas” have been identified in the NCR including those prone to hazards such as floods like some places in Marikina, Quezon City, CAMANAVA areas, and some parts of Mandaluyong.

“Siyempre po kapag lumakas ang ulan lalung-lalo na po yung mga nanggagaling sa bundok na tubig kapag rumagasa po yan apektado po talaga katulad ng Marikina, Quezon City at ilang portion ng Mandaluyong at ganun din po yung mabilis na pagtaas ng tubig sa CAMANAVA areas,” he said.

(Of course, when water flows from the mountains during heavy rains, Marikina, Quezon City, CAMANAVA areas, and some parts of Mandaluyong are surely affected by flash floods.)

Artes on Thursday led the meeting of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in preparation for the possible effects of Mawar.

Mawar maintained its strength on Thursday noon and is likely to remain in that category when it enters PAR, according to the latest bulletin by state weather bureau PAGASA. —KBK, GMA Integrated News