MMDA now on blue alert due to ‘Ompong’
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is on blue alert as of Friday noon, as it prepares for the impact of Typhoon “Ompong,” in Metro Manila, MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said.
Lim also placed the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDDRRMC) on the same alert status, and ordered the mobilization of disaster responders and frontline personnel to provide assistance.
“The raising of blue alert aims to ensure the continuous monitoring of the possible effects of the current weather system and ensure prompt coordination with concerned agencies and offices,” he said in a statement.
MMDA Operations chief Bong Nebrija added that the blue alert status is the second-highest alert level of the agency, before a red alert status is declared.
Under a blue alert status, at least 700 personnel from different MMDA offices such as the Road Emergency Group, Public Safety Division, Flood Control and Sewerage and Management Unit, Rescue Battalion, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Traffic Engineering Center are placed on standby for possible deployment.
According to Lim, the MMDA is also preparing to field rescue vans, emergency boats, military trucks, ambulances, rubber boats, fire trucks, manlifts, and equipment such as life vests, chain saw, and mobile pump, for its operations.
Due to the threat of flooding, Lim also advised local government units to implement disaster preparation measures to ensure the safety of the public.
Signal No. 1 has been raised all over Metro Manila with “Ompong” was last spotted 370 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. Although it is not expected to directly affect Metro Manila, it may intensify the southwest monsoon or “habagat” which can bring heavy rain especially in flood prone areas.
All cities in Metro Manila have also suspended classes in all levels for Friday.
READ: #WalangPasok: List of class, work suspensions due to ‘Ompong’
MMDA’s central monitoring, operations and warning systems is located at the MMDA’s Metrobase Command Center in Guadalupe, along EDSA. The MMDA has also placed emergency stations have been set up along EDSA-Roxas Boulevard, EDSA-Ortigas, EDSA-Orense, EDSA-Timog, C5-Libis, Commonwealth-Tandang Sora, and Nagtahan. /muf
