By Ria Fernandez
The city disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) of Manila has already ordered preemptive evacuation of families residing in low-lying areas and along the coastline after signal number 1 was raised in Metro Manila ahead of typhoon “Ompong.”
"Since yesterday. ..barangay captains have already informed (their constituents about the preemptive evacuation)," Manila DRRMO communication chief Ryan Valencia said.
"The forced evacuation will be implemented once storm surge occurs," he added.
Valencia said almost 2,000 families are at risk of flooding specifically in Baseco and Brgy. 105.
As of now, a few individuals have sought temporary shelter at Baseco Evacuation Center.
The Delpan Evacuation Center, meanwhile, received more or less 100 stranded passengers at Manila North Harbor.
On top of these, the local government opened four public schools and two covered courts as alternative evacuation sites, namely: Corazon Aquino High School in Baseco; Vicente Lim Elementary School, Almario Elementary School, Villegas High School in Vitas; Delpan Sports Complex; and another covered court in Barangay 105.
"We can say that the city disaster is 95 percent ready...as we have (already learned) from the several disasters and storms that (hit us)," Valencia said.
For rescue, Manila DRRMO may be reached at (02) 911-37-27.