MMDA gears up for arrival of super typhoon Mawar; prepares rescue assets

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Don Artes inspects rescue equipment in preparation for Super Typhoon Mawar on May 25, 2023. | Photo from MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said it has begun gearing up for the possible onslaught of super typhoon “Mawar,” assuring the public of close coordination among government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

To recall, Mawar is currently spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility but is expected to enter by Friday.

According to Artes, among the rescue assets it readied is the MMDA’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, composed of 20 rescuers trained in water search and rescue operations.  Each rescuer is equipped with life vests, wet suits, boats, and water rescue helmets when rescuing disaster victims.

“MMDRRMC (Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) members shall monitor round-the-clock weather updates and situations, while disaster response units will monitor potential flooding in flood prone areas and waterways,” said Artes in a statement.

“Teams are prepared, equipped, and trained. Communication lines are open with the LGUs so that teams will be immediately dispatched if needed,” he added/

Meanwhile, Artes also said that he met with the MMDRRMC the same day along with heads of member agencies and local disaster risk reduction and management council officers to conduct a  pre-disaster assessment meeting.

Apart from disaster preparedness, the said agencies tackled  the potential impacts of water disturbances in Metro Manila and ensured an effective response is in place, however, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System reported initiatives on the looming water crisis and the El Niño phenomenon.

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JPV