The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) has finalized contingency measures as Severe Tropical Storm Opong threatens to bring heavy rains and floods to the National Capital Region.
The meeting, held Thursday, came after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed all government agencies to sustain relief operations and strengthen disaster preparedness.
NCR READY FOR IMPACT
MMDA Chairman and concurrent MMDRRMC head Atty. Don Artes assured residents that the capital is prepared for the storm’s possible impact.
“I am confident to say that we are ready in terms of preparation for the typhoon,” Artes said.
He also advised the public to avoid non-essential travel starting Friday as severe weather conditions are expected. Metro Manila remains under Signal No. 1.
RESPONSE TEAMS AND EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED
The MMDA has activated its Emergency Operations Center and readied 380 personnel for immediate response. Teams include the Road Emergency Group, Flood Control and Sewerage Office, Public Safety Division, Traffic Engineering, Sidewalk Clearing, Metrobase, and the K-9 Search and Rescue Unit.
Rescue and clearing assets have been prepositioned across the metro:
- 4 rubber boats and 2 motorized orange boats
- 20 chainsaws, 3 pruners, 3 extrication tools
- Ambulances, tow trucks, and military trucks on standby
FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES
Artes confirmed that all 71 MMDA pumping stations are operational and on high alert. The MMDA Command Center in Pasig City is closely monitoring weather and road conditions, with special attention to flood-prone areas such as Quezon City and CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela).
INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION
PAGASA provided updates on Opong’s track and its potential effects on dams, including La Mesa in Quezon City and Upper Wawa in Rodriguez, Rizal. Meanwhile, the DENR-MGB identified flood- and landslide-prone barangays, stressing the need for early warnings and local preparedness.
Representatives from DILG, DICT, DPWH, DOLE, DHSUD, DOT, PIA-NCR, AFP-NCR, Coast Guard, BFP, and the Philippine Red Cross also joined the meeting, signaling a whole-of-government approach to disaster response.