RAINS brought by the southwest monsoon flooded a number of areas in Metro Manila yesterday, prompting Malacañang to suspend work in government offices and classes in public schools in the region on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, or “number coding,” was also suspended by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) because of the continuous rains.
NDRRMC spokesman Edgar Posadas said authorities alerted residents of several areas in Quezon City, Valenzuela, and Malabon on possible flooding as the rains caused the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City to overflow.
The dam’s water level was at 80.16 meters as of 5 a.m. yesterday, over its spilling level of 80.15 meters.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the dam’s water level has dropped 80.12 meters or “below its overflow level and is expected to decrease gradually,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
The development eased the threat of flooding in the low-lying areas along Tullahan River in Quezon City (Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta Quiteria, and San Bartolome), Valenzuela (North Expressway, and La Huerta Subdivision), and Malabon.
“All the residents living in the aforementioned areas, especially those near river banks, are still advised to take precautionary measures,” PAGASA said in a situationer issued at 5:30 p.m. yesterday.
Posadas said the rains flooded areas in Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Malabon City, Caloocan City, Navotas City, San Juan City, and Manila City. Flooding was also monitored in Cainta town in Rizal.
Posadas said moderate to heavy rains may persist until Friday based on PAGASA’s weather outlook.
He urged the public, especially those living in the low-areas, to remain vigilant for flooding.
The Quezon City government said at least 19 areas in the city were flooded. However, flooding in 18 of these areas have already subsided as of 1 p.m. yesterday.
Knee-deep flooding was still reported in Upper Nawasa, in Barangay Commonwealth as of 1 p.m., it said.
On Malacañang’s work suspension order, exempted were agencies that provide emergency services, while suspension in private companies and schools were left to the discretion of their respective heads.
Work in courts was also suspended. Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen announced the suspension of work in the Supreme Court, except for essential services.
“All Presiding Justices of appellate courts and executive judges should exercise their discretion in accordance with existing court issuances,” the SC said.
Work is also suspended in the Court of Appeals and the Sandiganbayan.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., in an ambush interview in Cavite, said disaster and flooding response measures are in place for the La Niña phenomenon.
Abalos said “Operation Listo,” a DILG advocacy program aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness of local government units (LGUs) using the whole-of-government approach, will play a major role in preparing the public for heavy rains and strong winds expected from La Niña.
He said part of the program is the “Listong Pamahalaang Lokal” which institutionalizes local protocols for disaster preparedness, response and monitoring.
Under the program, LGUs will ensure canals and drainage systems are clear, among others. — With Jocelyn Montemayor, Ashzel Hachero and Christian Oineza
