Photo from Manila DRRMO Assistant Communication Officer Rommel Allada/MANILA BULLETIN
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said on Sunday, May 28, that it is on standby for the inclement weather brought on by Typhoon "Betty" (international name Mawar).
Manila DRRMO Assistant Communication Officer Rommel Allada stated that they have been on standby for assistance even before the declaration of the blue alert status in Manila on Friday.
Allada also said that they are preparing with barangay officials for the possible evacuation of residents, especially those in low-lying areas and places near Manila Bay, that may experience storm surges (dalúyong).
MDRRMO has prepared equipment such as rubber boats, transport trucks, rescue trucks, flood control trucks, mobile kitchen trucks, ambulances, and fire trucks for the immediate evacuation of locals.
Photo from Manila DRRMO Assistant Communication Officer Rommel Allada/MANILA BULLETIN
Members from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and fire volunteer groups are also on standby to help with the evacuation.
"Kung sakali naman po magpa-evacuate, hindi po tayo mahuhuli. May mga makakatulong po tayo sa paglikas ng mga tao tulad ng coast guard, red cross, at mga fire volunteer (If we have to evacuate, no one will be left behind. There are people who can help us evacuate the residents, like the coast guard, red cross, and fire volunteers)," Allada said.
Allada also mentioned that the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) is ready to provide food for the evacuees.
As of 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that Typhoon Betty is decelerating as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea, east of northern Luzon.
The city's DRRMO also released an advisory at 12:27 p.m. on Sunday stating that a thunderstorm may occur within the next six hours.(Richielyn Canlas)