Valenzuela City rushes aid as landfill fire displaces Obando families
By Trixee Rosel
A Valenzuela City “Tubig Patrol” truck delivers potable water and sanitation support to an evacuation site in Obando, Bulacan following the fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill. (Photo courtesy of the Valenzuela City Government/Facebook)
The Valenzuela City government rushed a mobile shower and toilet unit, a water filtration unit, and ambulances to Obando, Bulacan to aid 150 families displaced by the Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire.
Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian said the initiative reflects the city’s swift coordination and commitment to provide assistance during emergencies.
The city government deployed the equipment to Obando National High School, which is currently serving as an evacuation center for residents of Barangay Salambao.
Authorities reported that as of April 21, 8 a.m., a total of 431 individuals or 150 families had been forced to flee their homes due to the blaze, which also affected nearby communities.
The water filtration unit can produce up to 1,200 gallons of potable water.
Meanwhile, the mobile sanitation facility is equipped with four shower cubicles and four toilets, including one for persons with disabilities.
A Valenzuela City feeding program is conducted at Obando National High School, which serves as an evacuation site in Obando, Bulacan, where relief goods and meals are provided to displaced families. (Photo courtesy of the Valenzuela City Government/Facebook)
Two ambulances have been placed on standby for medical emergencies among evacuees.
The Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO) deployed 10 personnel on a 24/7 rotation to monitor conditions and ensure continuous assistance.
The city government said the deployed units began operations on April 21 and will remain in place for at least three days or longer depending on conditions on the ground.
Although not directly affected, Valenzuela City experienced minimal impacts such as smoke and odor due to its proximity to the landfill site.