The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) says it sent 40 solar-powered water filtration system units to Catanduanes, which received the first blow of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) on November 16, 2024. Photo from MMDA via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it sent 40 solar-powered water filtration system units to Catanduanes, which received the first blow of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) over the weekend.
Each unit can filter 180 gallons of water per hour, according to the MMDA.
It also said that it deployed a 15-man contingent from the MMDA Public Safety Division and MMDA Road Emergency Group to deliver aid to the calamity-hit island province.
The MMDA noted that its assistance to Catanduanes was made in compliance with the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bolster relief efforts in the area.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its 8 a.m., Nov. 20, situational report that the onslaught of Pepito and other recent powerful tropical cyclones Ofel (international name: Usagi) and Nika (international name: Toraji) resulted in infrastructure and agricultural losses of P1,549,792,274.36 and P8,640,199.46, respectively.
READ: NDRRMC: Over 1.8 million Filipinos impacted by Pepito, 2 earlier typhoons
The three typhoons consecutively hit a big portion of Luzon this November.
Pepito made landfall in Panganiban, Catanduanes at 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 16 while packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 240 kph.
Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua has called for help amid the widespread devastation that Pepito brought to the island province.
READ: Pepito aftermath: Catanduanes calls for help amid devastation
In October, the MMDA sent similar water filtration systems to boost relief efforts for the Bicol Region, which was battered by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).