Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has put all city emergency response personnel on high alert as heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continue to batter the nation’s capital.
In an emergency meeting with key officials on Monday night, July 21, Domagoso ordered a full-scale disaster response, instructing all hospitals to remain on high alert until the weather situation improves.
“Red alert tayo ngayon. Hospitals natin, naka-red alert din. Cancel muna tulog,” Domagoso told OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla during the meeting, ordering all six city-run hospitals to be ready for possible flood-related illnesses such as leptospirosis.
Domagoso assured residents that emergency personnel from multiple city departments have been on 24/7 standby since the onset of the heavy rains.
Domagoso also directed Manila City Schools Division OIC Superintendent Nerissa Lomeda-Roxas to inform all public school principals to prepare their respective campuses as evacuation sites, should it become necessary.
In a directive to Manila Barangay Bureau chief Joel Par, Domagoso said all barangay chairpersons are authorized to utilize public schools as evacuation centers if necessary, acknowledging that not all barangays have their own designated evacuation facilities.
“Otorisado na ang mga barangay chairman na gamitin ang mga eskwelahan, lalo na kung talagang kailangan. Hindi lahat ng barangay may evacuation area,” the Mayor said.
To aid stranded commuters, Domagoso ordered the continuation of free rides across the city. “Yung ginawa nating libreng sakay, dapat tuloy-tuloy pa rin para sa mga naistranded na taumbayan,” he told Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO) Director Arnel Angeles.
Meanwhile, in compliance with the Mayor’s directive, City Social Welfare Officer Jay Dela Fuente assured that food supplies have been pre-positioned.
“Naka-ready po tayo, pati food packs. Nagpapababa na po tayo ng community kitchens sa ating mga districts, para kahit makaraos man tayo may hot meals, champorado, at noodles. May presensya na tayo sa Baseco at Delpan,” Dela Fuente reported.
To aid stranded commuters, Domagoso also ordered the continuation of free rides across the city.
Earlier today, the Mayor also ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels for Tuesday, July 22, citing the weather forecast of heavy to intense rainfall in Metro Manila.
Domagoso assured residents that emergency personnel from multiple city departments have been on 24/7 standby since the onset of the heavy rains.
Manila City resident meteorologist Christian John Evangelista reported that two low-pressure areas (LPAs) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility were fueling the Southwest Monsoon, with a medium chance of intensifying into twin tropical cyclones within 24 to 48 hours.
“Rainfall forecast sa NCR ay maroon o heavy to intense rain, 100-200 mm hanggang bukas ng hapon, July 22,” Evangelista said.
