MMDA headed to Bicol to aid in rescue and relief efforts

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to bring water purifiers to Bicol communities affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed a 30-man clearing team and a 20-man search and rescue (SAR) team to assist in areas hit by heavy rains and floods.

The team will bring 40 solar-powered water filtration systems, one aluminum boat, two engine-operated rubber boats, 20 small fiberglass boats, 1000 life vests, six chainsaws, modular evacuation tents, and medicines for leptospirosis.

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the team will clear roads from debris that can impede mobility and accessibility while the search and rescue team will conduct water search and rescue for areas inundated by flood.

Moreover, Artes addressed questions raised on the timing of the assets’ deployment. He said the agency wanted to ensure that Metro Manila, which is under its primary jurisdiction, is safe from the typhoon first.

“We are also preparing in the event that the NCR will be hit by the typhoon that’s why we decided to dispatch half of our assets to the Bicol region. The other half is ready to respond in case NCR will be hit by this weather disturbance. We are continuously coordinating and monitoring the situation in the metropolis through advisories released by PAGASA,” he said.

The MMDA is likewise coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) which will determine the exact areas where the agency’s contingent and resources will be dispatched.

Food packs from institutional donors will also be distributed to affected individuals and are expected to arrive in the Bicol region by Friday morning. If Metro Manila will not be severely affected, the agency will deploy its remaining resources to the Northern region, in coordination with the OCD.

The MMDA has activated its emergency operations center and has conducted an inventory of assets of the local government units in Metro Manila. Some of them are already prepositioned, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Artes also said that all pumping stations are operational.