MMDA sends rescuers to Isabela, Aurora for ‘Chedeng’

MANILA, Philippines – To conduct rescue and clearing operations in Dinapigue, Isabela, where Tropical Depression Chedeng made landfall on Sunday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sent 50 of its personnel to the area a day before the weather disturbance hit land.
In a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said that the agency sent a 50-man rescue team to Isabela and another rescue group to Aurora.

“They are now conducting training seminars for the rescuers and even the police in those areas,” he added, adding that the members of the rescue team wanted to share their knowledge to the locals for disaster preparation and rescue operation.

The MMDA chair also mentioned in a radio interview on Sunday that the teams were already in the affected areas a day before Chedeng made landfall.

“The instruction given to them is to extend assistance to the affected areas and local government units and to conduct clearing operations after the tropical depression,” Tolentino said adding that the group
would also provide any needed assistance by the LGUs.

During the meeting of the Metro Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) on Saturday, it was agreed that the LGUs in Metro Manila would mobilize rescuers in the areas affected by Chedeng.

“Since it was forecast that metro will not be hit, rescue teams from Valenzuela, Marikina, Muntinlupa and Parañaque were deployed to the affected areas since they have the necessary equipment to conduct clearing operations,” Tolentino said.

He added that the rescue groups also brought with them relief items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development for distribution to the residents.

The agency’s rescue and rehabilitation personnel have been tasked to clean areas, which will not be reached by the local government so that power supply will be easily restored and residents can return to their normal lives.

Members of the team will also work closely with the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) to speed up the clearing of affected areas and the repair of infrastructures damaged by
“Chedeng.” SFM/AC