700 families evacuated from Metro areas near rivers

INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Manila disaster management office carried out a forced evacuation on Tuesday in areas near rivers and Manila Bay as rains brought by the southwest monsoon flooded the city and rendered 80 percent of major roads impassable to light vehicles.

Johnny Yu, officer in charge of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said at least 700 families have been evacuated in the low-lying areas near San Juan River, Pasig River and Manila Bay.

The Baseco Evacuation Center was filled to capacity with about 600 families and more evacuees in the area were brought to the nearby President Cory C. Aquino High School.

Residents from Parola Compound and Isla Puting Bato were evacuated to the Delpan Evacuation Center.

Yu said “chest-deep” floodwaters submerged the Sta. Mesa area near the San Juan boundary and evacuees in barangay halls had to stay at the second floor.