PNP intensifies disaster response in Metro Manila amid Carina onslaught

A man carrying a plastic container wades through a flooded street in Manila on July 24, 2024 amid heavy rains brought by Typhoon Gaemi. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its disaster response operations in Metro Manila, deploying 5,820 personnel to the capital region amid the effects of Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PNP said it started dispatching its personnel as early as 11 a.m. to help rescue residents in flood-affected areas after the state weather bureau announced that Metro Manila remained under a red rainfall warning.

Areas under red warning are forecast to experience over 30 millimeters of rain, with possible flooding in flood-prone areas.

READ: Metro Manila now under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina

“The PNP is actively monitoring the typhoon’s impact and maintaining close coordination with local government units and other relevant agencies. All PNP units have been directed to monitor and report any incidents related to Typhoon Carina,” it said.

“Residents are advised to remain vigilant, follow safety protocols, and cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety,” it added.

The PNP also backed the Metro Manila Council’s move to place the National Capital Region under a state of calamity, which enables the release of calamity funds for 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila. It likewise allows the implementation of price control in the region.

According to the 11 a.m. bulletin of the state weather bureau, Carina was last spotted some 345 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.

It also enhanced the southwest monsoon, expected to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon from Wednesday to Friday.