1 dead, 5 hurt amid stormy weather
In Metro Manila, some 14,892 residents of Marikina City have so far evacuated because of the swollen Marikina River
At least one person died and five more were injured amid the storm-like weather brought by the southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoon ‘Fabian’ in different parts of the country, authorities reported.
Not less than 25,325 persons have also evacuated homes because of floods, swollen rivers, and landslides caused by heavy rains, according to reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), regional units of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), provincial disaster units, and local governments.
The fatality was Esmerelda Suriaga, a 39-year-old call center agent who was riding a taxi that got hit by a fallen tree along Kennon Road in Camp 8, Baguio City, Friday afternoon, according to reports from the OCD-Cordillera and regional police.
Her fellow passengers Samuel Suriaga, 29, and Wilfredo Suriaga, 63, were injured while taxi driver Mizon Galano, 33, was unharmed.
That incident came after some other incidents of fallen trees occurred in Lubuagan, Kalinga; La Trinidad, Benguet; and at Baguio’s Botanical Garden.
Landslides had also occurred in Balbalan, Kalinga; Itogon, La Trinidad, and Tuba of Benguet. Some of the landslides earlier forced temporary closures of two major roads going up to Baguio.
Floods hit parts of La Trinidad on Friday, including the town’s strawberry farm.
The other three who were injured are employees of an internet service provider whose van was also hit by a fallen tree in Pagbilao, Quezon, last Thursday.
In Metro Manila, some 14,892 residents of Marikina City have so far evacuated because of the swollen Marikina River, according to the NDRRMC.
Evacuation ongoing
Evacuation of low-lying and flood-flood prone areas of the city started past 1 a.m. Saturday, when the river’s water level reached 16 meters.
Local authorities have been implementing that measure for a few years now, drawing experience from the deaths and destruction amid floods caused by tropical storm “Ondoy” in 2009.
Evacuations were also ordered at Isla Puting Bato in the city of Manila, where many residents are living in houses on stilts.
In Rizal province, just east of Marikina, at least 1,776 persons also evacuated in flood-prone areas of Taytay, San Mateo and Rodriguez.
Some 1,030 persons also fled homes because of floods in Cavite and Batangas, according to a report from the OCD-CALABARZON.
In Central Luzon where floods also usually occur, the stormy weather affected some 30,322 persons, the region’s OCD unit said.
At least 552 persons in Bataan, Pampanga and Zambales, were recorded to have evacuated, but these are only those who opted to stay at evacuation centers.
From Thursday to Friday, at least 7,025 persons were evacuated amid widespread flooding and some landslides in Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro, the provinces’ respective disaster management offices said.
Floods in affected areas ranged from ankle-deep to head-deep, while many rice fields were also submerged. Some roads and spillways were rendered impassable at the height of floods.
At least 21 houses were either damaged or destroyed in different parts of Cordillera, Central Luzon, Mindoro Island, and CALABARZON, initial reports showed.
DoE assessing impact
The Department of Energy (DoE) is evaluating the impact of the flooding and the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Batangas to ensure continuous power flow.
Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has directed the Department-led Task Force on Energy Resiliency to assist and consolidate all pertinent information for public dissemination once available.
He said initial reports from energy stakeholders indicated that there are “no major damages to energy facilities thus far.”
Cusi, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), said he is also monitoring the Typhoon Fabian-affected areas within the region.
The energy chief added that he is closely coordinating with the OCD-MIMAROPA and local officials to assess the situation and address the needs of responders and affected families.
“I am closely coordinating with the OCD Regional Director Ruben Carandang and his team for immediate assistance for our local government, rescue operations, and evacuation centers,” Cusi said.
Cusi reminder
He further reminds everyone to also be mindful in health protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in evacuation centers and in response situations.
`Moreover, Secretary Cusi continuously seeks the cooperation of local chief executives to work together for a more resilient MIMAROPA.
The National Power Corporation is expected to hand-in their report on dams and NPC-SPUG (Small Power Utilities Group).
The fatality was Esmerelda Suriaga, a 39-year-old call center agent who was riding a taxi that got hit by a fallen tree along Kennon Road in Camp 8, Baguio City.
As this developed, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a series of rainfall advisories and advised everyone to take precautionary measures against possible impacts particularly landslides and flashfloods.
In the midst of the onslaught of typhoon “Fabian,” the Philippine Coast Guard, headed by Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr. has mobilized its resources, and deployed its personnel in affected areas, to provide all the necessary assistance.
This is in response to the directive of DoTr Secretary Art Tugade, to immediately extend humanitarian service to our kababayans during this time.
In Marikina City, the Coast Guard District NCR-Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) mobilized two Deployable Response Groups, composed of 13 personnel from the NCR, and six personnel from the Special Operations Group NCR-Central Luzon.
In coordination with the MDRRMO, the team is closely monitoring the water level in the city, particularly at the Marikina River and Barangay Tumana, while proactively preparing for further actions to be taken, to ensure everyone’s safety and welfare.
Meanwhile, the CGDNCR-CL also mobilized a Deployable Response Group to Barangay Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal, composed of nine personnel from the Headquarters Coast Guard District NCR-CL, and three personnel from the Special Operations Unit NCR-CL.
An additional Deployable Response Group, composed of 15 personnel, was deployed by the Coast Guard Station Laguna, to further assist in the conduct of disaster response operations. Moreover, the team is on standby for possible search and rescue operations, as they are continuously monitoring and assessing the area.