Marikina mulls over new typhoon response policy

MANILA, Philippines—Marikina City may have been spared from the onslaught of Tropical Depression “Ruby” when it skirted Metro Manila on Tuesday, but the local government isn’t taking its chances as it plans to review its typhoon response policy.

Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chief Val Barcinal told the Inquirer that once the city council and the disaster council approve the new policy, preemptive evacuation could be the new norm in the city.

So far, the city mainly relies on the siren system that monitors the overflow at Marikina River before residents in low-lying areas are moved out.

While the local government was criticized for implementing a preemptive evacuation order despite the river’s normal level of 13 meters, Barcinal said the order was “based on our appreciation of the scientific data given to us by agencies such as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa) and the Office of Civil Defense.”

Monday’s evacuation of 1,261 families, or 5,774 individuals from Barangay Tumana, Nangka, Malanday, Tañong and Sta. Elena, was the first time residents were evacuated with water at the river still at a normal level.

In the past, Barcinal said residents only start to leave their homes once the water level breaches the 16-meter mark.

One of the major concerns of those who opted not to go was because of the city’s “one skip meal” policy. Under this setup, the local government distributes food to the evacuees only during their second meal at their respective evacuation centers, Barcinal added.

“They are hesitant to go to the evacuation centers because some of them had not yet prepared their meals,” he said.

Such changes in the city’s typhoon response would entail additional costs to the local government. “Preemptive evacuation might be a better alternative than buying new rescue equipment,” the official said.

Currently, the city has at least 20 fiberglass boats for rescue operations. Once Marikina residents in flood-prone areas get used to the idea of preemptive evacuations, there may be no need to buy new rescue equipment, he added.