Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said on Sunday, Sept. 25, the city has mobilized its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Marikina Rescue 161, and other local government departments as the city braces for Typhoon "Karding."
Disaster and rescue personnel have already been deployed while rescue equipment have also been prepositioned for immediate use.
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other rescue volunteers have also reportedly arrived in the city to lend their assistance.
The mayor said barangay chairpersons have been ordered to assess their respective areas and make the necessary preparations.
Teodoro advised residents to prepare in case of evacuation and to coordinate with their barangays for updates and advisories.
“We have already opened evacuation centers across the city and are now ready to accept evacuees,” he said.
“We urge residents to remain calm and vigilant at all times,'' he added.
The local government also said it is continuously monitoring the water level of Marikina River.
As of 2 p.m. the water level remained normal at 12.2 meters. The first alarm will be raised when the water level breaches 15 meters.
Class, gov't work suspensions
Classes in all levels for both public and private schools, as well as work in government offices in Marikina City are suspended on Monday, Sept. 26.
Exempted from the suspension are those working in government offices related to disaster response and mitigation measures, the local government said.
Meanwhile, the suspension of work for employees in the private sector is under the discretion of their respective companies.
The local government made the announcement on Sunday morning, Sept. 25, as a “preemptive measure."
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) raised Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 3 in Metro Manila at around 8 a.m.
As of 2 p.m., PAGASA placed the northern portion of Metro Manila under TCWS No. 4, comprising of Marikina City, Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Valenzuela City, and Quezon City.
PAG-ASA said heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are expected to occur in these areas from Sunday afternoon to early Monday morning.