LGUs urged: Work on zero casualty for Ompong
The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) is urging local government units (LGUs) in the metropolis to implement necessary preparations to achieve zero casualty during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Ompong.
Romulo Cabantac Jr., MMDRRMC senior vice chairman, said yesterday he met with disaster response officials of Metro Manila’s 17 LGUs on Wednesday, and the officials and “concerned agencies are all prepared.”
Cabantac said all LGU personnel and disaster equipment are on standby.
Quoting reports from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), he said residents of Metro Manila would likely to feel the wrath of the typhoon today.
Michael Salalima, head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)’s disaster response group, urged MMDRRMC members and LGU disaster management teams to closely coordinate with PAGASA.
He said the MMDA’s metrobase, which serves as a 24-hour crisis monitoring and management center in Metro Manila, will serve as a command center.
“The Metrobase can help ensure the timely and widest information dissemination during the typhoon,” he said.
Noting that communication was a problem during previous disaster drills, Salalima said all LGUs must ensure an open communication line for proper coordination.
The Muntinlupa City government will monitor the water level of Laguna de Bay during Ompong’s onslaught.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said yesterday he has ordered the city’s disaster management council to go on heightened alert low-lying barangays and barangays beside the lake such as Sucat, Buli, Cupang, Alabang, Bayanan, Putatan, Poblacion and Tunasan.
The city government of Manila has also placed all its departments on alert. Mayor Joseph Estrada said all necessary equipment, as well as food and water, have been stored in evacuation centers.–