Manila gears up for rains by buying 80 rescue boats

EMERGENCY-READY Manila local officials led by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (left) inspect the new boats expected to boost the city’s emergency response during the rainy season. Each boat weighs 100 kilograms and can carry around 10 people. —PHOTO FROM MANILA PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila local government has prepared for the rainy season in the flood-prone city by buying 80 rescue boats that are expected to speed up the response time to emergencies.

According to Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) director Arnel Angeles, the new boats are made from polyvinyl chloride instead of rubber, making them less prone to being damaged by sharp objects and other debris submerged in floodwater.

Thirty of the 80 rescue boats, each weighing about 100 kilograms and capable of carrying about 10 people, were turned over to the MDRRMO on Monday.

“The outboard engine is 30 horsepower maximum. This will tremendously reduce response times in rapid water rescue operations,” Angeles said.

The boats will also be used during search and rescue operations in Manila’s coastal areas and in cleanup operations in creeks and rivers, he added.

The Manila Public Information Office said the first beneficiaries of the new boats would be 40 flood-prone villages.

On Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced the onset of the rainy season, saying that heavy rainfall was to be expected in the coming weeks.