MMDA sends off contingent to aid Kristine-hit Bicol

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine

OFF TO BICOL. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority readies its equipment for deployment Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2024) to Kristine-hit Bicol Region. The 50-man team brought with them 40 solar-powered water filtration systems, 1 aluminum boat, 2 engine-operated rubber boats, 20 small fiberglass boats, 1,000 life vests, 6 chainsaws, modular evacuation tents and medicines for leptospirosis. (MMDA photo)

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed a 30-man clearing team and 20-man search and rescue team to assist in areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s (Trami) heavy rains and floods in the Bicol Region.

In a news release, the MMDA said the team brings with them 40 solar-powered water filtration systems, one aluminum boat, two engine-operated rubber boats, 20 small fiberglass boats, 1,000 life vests, six chainsaws, modular evacuation tents and medicines for leptospirosis.

MMDA chair Don Artes said the team would clear roads from debris while the search and rescue team would carry out water search and rescue in flooded areas.

Artes addressed questions raised on the timing of the assets’ deployment. He said the agency wanted to ensure first that Metro Manila, which is under its primary jurisdiction, is safe from the typhoon.

“We are also preparing in the event that the NCR will be hit by the typhoon, that’s why we decided to dispatch half of our assets to the Bicol region. The other half is ready to respond in case NCR will be hit by this weather disturbance,” he said.

The MMDA is coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense which determines the exact areas where the agency’s contingent and resources will be dispatched.

Food packs from institutional donors will also be distributed to affected individuals and are expected to arrive in the Bicol Region by Friday morning.

The agency will deploy its remaining resources to the northern region if Metro Manila will not be severely affected.

The MMDA has activated its emergency operations center and has conducted an inventory of assets of the local government units in Metro Manila.

Some of them are already prepositioned, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Artes said all pumping stations are operational. (PNA)