Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Thursday, May 30, that the local government is ready for the rainy season and is aiming for zero casualty.
“Nakahanda na ang lahat ng ating mga kailangan para sa darating na tag-ulan at pagtama ng La Nina sa ating bansa (We have readied everything that will be needed for the coming rainy season and La Nina),” Mayor Belmonte said.
Mayor Joy Belmonte (Quezon City government)
”Lahat ng mga kaukulang tanggapan ng pamahalaang lungsod ay may gagampanang papel para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat at para mabilis na maihatid ang tulong at serbisyo sa ating QCitizens (All relevant city government offices have been tasked to ensure everyone's safety and to quickly deliver help and services to our QCitizens),” she added.
During typhoons, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) will be immediately activated with all member-offices on standby. At the same time, the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will closely monitor the movement of typhoons, wind strengths, and the amount of rainfall in Quezon City.
“Our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team members will also be placed on full alert and ready to respond immediately in cases of emergencies,” Belmonte said.
The DRRMC will also conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments and regular weather briefings while safety officers will conduct pre-emptive evacuations in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) will recommend the city-wide suspension of classes in public schools depending on the weather forecast by 4:00 a.m. Each barangay will declare a localized suspension by 4:30 a.m. in the absence of a recommendation from the DRRMO.
“We will also dispatch USAR personnel to cut portions of trees and remove debris from fallen trees reported in some parts of the city to keep our QCitizens out of harm’s way,” Belmonte added.