NDRRMC warns of possible floods in Metro, Rizal

Residents living along coastal areas in Manila evacuate to safer grounds as the local government ordered the pre-emptive evacuation in anticipation of Typhoon Hagupit which is expected to make its fourth landfall Monday, Dec.8, 2014 in Manila, Philippines. AP

MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council warned of possible floods in the National Capital Region, especially in its eastern portion and in the Rizal province, due to the expected heavy to intense rains to be brought by Tropical Storm Ruby (international name Hagupit) on Monday night.

“Karanasan naman natin na may lugar na mabilis bumaha. Hindi lang sa Metro Manila natin bantayan ang ulan. I-assume natin yung mga ulan na ibabagsak sa mga bundok sa paanan ng Sierra Madre..i-anticipate yung mga maiipon sa bulubunduking lugar pag ito ay bumaba at yung sa Marikina…Yung maiipon pong tubig sa Rizal at sa eastern portion ng Metro Manila, pag ito po ay bumaba, alam po natin kung saan dadaan to, yung mga tradisyunal na dadaanan, Marikina River, Tullahan, Pasig River, kaya kumbaga sa Ingles po, we know the drill,” NDRRMC Executive Director Alexander Pama said in a press briefing.

Pama said that residents should listen to the advice of their local leaders.

“Dapat walang rason na abutan po tayo diyan, kung nandiyan pa po tayo sa dangerous waterways na tinatawag, sundin po natin ating mga community groups. kung kailangang lumikas, lumikas na,” he said.

Metro Manila was placed under Signal No. 2 as of Monday before noon and was expected to experience heavy to intense rains from Ruby between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Pama noted that some residents in Parañaque, Navotas and Manila have made their pre-emptive evacuations.

Ruby was downgraded to a tropical storm midday Monday, but it will continue to dump rains.