Malacanang: Be alert as rain and flooding persist

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang urged the public to stay alert amid flooding in different regions of the country brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

“Pinapaalalahanan namin ang publiko na manatiling alerto at ligtas. Sa mga lugar na nakakaranas pa rin ng pagbaha, hinihikayat namin kayo na manatili sa mga evacuation centers na inihanda ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued several Red Level Rainfall warnings over Rizal and Metro Manila amid light to heavy rainfall that brought flooding to many places in the two areas.

The rain was due to the habagat that was enhanced by Tropical Storm “Karding” as it exited the Philippine area of responsibility in the north.

Citing data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Roque said 961 areas have experienced flooding in Regions I, III, Calabarzon (IV-A), Mimaropa (IV-B), VI, X, CAR, and the National Capital Region.

Floodwaters in 762 areas have already subsided as of Sunday 6 a.m., the Palace official added.

Roque also said that a total of P120,409,360.92 worth of assistance was already provided by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, Local Government Units, Non-government Offices, and other organizations to the affected families.

The Palace also expressed its gratitude to those who have extended and provided aid to the affected Filipinos.

“Ngayon pa lamang ay nagpapasalamat na kami sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, sa private sector at volunteers sa kanilang patuloy na pagbibigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Roque said. /cbb