4 Metro areas in state of calamity

Torrential rains and flooding brought about by the monsoon have prompted several local government units in Metro Manila to declare a state of calamity in their respective areas.

The Muntinlupa City government was the first to make such a move on Tuesday followed the following day by those of Pasay City, Manila and the municipality of Pateros.

On Thursday, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano asked the city council to declare the city in a state of calamity after 18 out of 28 barangays were submerged in floodwaters.

Cayetano, the chairperson of the local disaster risk reduction and management council, said in a statement that should the councilors approve her request, the city government would be able to use its calamity funds to rehabilitate roads and infrastructure damaged by the weather disturbance.

“I appeal to our city council to immediately place Taguig under a state of calamity so we can tap our Quick Response Fund. In these trying times, we should set aside any political differences. This is the time our constituents need our support the most and we should not forsake them,” she added.

“I know from previous experience that they are sincere in their desire to help our fellow Taguigeños. In these difficult times, I’m sure we can count on them again for their cooperation,” she said, referring to members of the city council who are expected to meet today to take up the mayor’s request.

The barangays affected by flooding in Taguig included Bagumbayan, Sta. Ana, New Lower Bicutan, Lower Bicutan, Ususan, Hagonoy, San Miguel, Bambang, Tuktukan, Katuparan, Calzada-Tipas, Palingon, Wawa, Western Bicutan, Napindan, Ligid-Tipas, Ibayo-Tipas and Fort Bonifacio. Even the city hall was not spared from floodwaters at least two feet deep.

There were reports Thursday that some residents were still stranded inside their houses which remain flooded.

Based on the latest count, more than 4,000 families in Muntinlupa have been evacuated as the waters of Laguna de Bay continue to rise, according to city public information officer Omar Acosta.