QC aims for zero casualty, ready for typhoon season and La Niña

Mayor Joy Belmonte, speaking before graduating students at the Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao.

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government, led by its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), has declared its readiness for the typhoon season, with the country expected to experience 13 to 16 storms this year.

Zero casualty remains the city government’s target according to Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“Nakahanda na ang lahat ng ating mga kailangan para sa darating na tag-ulan at pagtama ng La Nina sa ating bansa,” Belmonte said.

”Lahat ng mga kaukulang tanggapan ng pamahalaang lungsod ay may gagampanang papel para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat at para mabilis na maihatid ang tulong at serbisyo sa ating QCitizens,” she added.

(We already prepared everything we would need when the rains and La Niña kicks in. All concerned offices with dedicated functions are on alert to ensure the safety and quickly serve and help our QCitizens.)

The city’s readiness was quickly put to a test during the onslaught of Typhoon Aghon, the first typhoon to hit the country in 2024, and this level of preparedness will be maintained throughout the year.

In times of typhoons, the QCDRRM Council will be immediately activated with all member-offices on standby, while the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will closely monitor the movement of typhoons, wind strengths, and the amount of rainfall in Quezon City.

“Our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team members will also be placed on full alert and ready to respond immediately in case of emergencies,” Belmonte explained, adding the teams are equipped with rescue boats, protective gears, sonar equipment, rescue cans, and other life-saving equipment.

READ: Typhoon Aghon to leave PAR on Wednesday — Pagasa

Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments and regular weather briefings will be conducted by QCDRRMO, headed by its officer-in-charge, Ms. Ma. Bianca Perez, and will share updates on the ground as well as the actions taken by DRRM Council members.

The DRRMO will also recommend the city-wide suspension of classes in public schools depending on the weather forecast by 4:00 am. Each barangay will declare a localized suspension by 4:30 am in the absence of a recommendation by the DRRMO.

To ensure the safety of QCitizens, safety officers will also conduct pre-emptive evacuations in low-lying and flood prone areas.

“We will also dispatch USAR personnel to cut portions of trees and remove debris from fallen trees reported in some parts of the city to keep our QCitizens out of harm’s way,” Belmonte pointed out.

The Mayor said the city’s Helpline 122 is always on standby to receive and address requests for assistance during calamities and other incidents.