Metro Manila Council President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said on Wednesday, July 8, that the decision on whether to suspend classes on Friday, July 10, will be made by the city mayors, as heavy rains are expected on Friday due to the possible effects of Super Typhoon Inday.

The mayor made the statement during the emergency meeting, along with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), to strengthen the disaster preparedness in anticipation of the possible effects of "Inday."

During the meeting, the DOST-PAGASA reported that Inday had entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early this morning while maintaining its super typhoon category.

Based on the latest forecast, the cyclone is expected to move northwestward, exit the PAR by Friday, and make landfall over mainland China by Saturday, July 11, with forecasts indicating that it may weaken into a typhoon before landfall.

It also discussed the possible effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon, which may bring periods of moderate to heavy rainfall over Metro Manila and nearby areas.

"Actually 'yung suspension of classes naman po ang basehan natin d'yan 'yung mga forecast na binibigay. As early as now ay alam na natin na Friday ay magiging malakas ang pag-ulan, may reference na po kami, but then again, let's leave it to the Metro Manila mayors kasi kaniya-kaniyang pag-announce po 'yun ng suspension. I don't want to preempt them (Actually, the basis for suspending classes is the forecasts being provided. As early as now, we already know that heavy rains are expected on Friday, and we have a reference for that. But then again, let’s leave it to the Metro Manila mayors since each city makes its own suspension announcement. I don’t want to preempt them)," he said.

However, he assured that the decision on any class suspension for Friday will be made as early as Thursday.

Meanwhile, MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the agency is prepared for possible flooding and assured the public that its 73 pumping stations are fully operational. He added that all stations are ready for the possibility of strong rains and flash floods.

Artes added that the MMDA continues to implement flood mitigation initiatives, including the Bayanihan sa Estero program and continuous declogging operations across Metro Manila to help keep roads, sidewalks, waterways, and drainage systems free of obstructions and improve water flow during heavy rains.

Zamora also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and the local government units to make the necessary preparations ahead of the expected effects of "Inday."

“Let’s maintain the cleanliness of our waterways and drainage systems and ensure that our pumping stations are well maintained," he said.

He also said the pumping stations should be operated or tested ahead of time to ensure readiness, with operators on duty 24 hours a day to guarantee they function when needed. He added that tree cutting should be done early, especially in areas with many trees that could fall during the typhoon.

"Ang best mindset po talaga is to prepare for the worst possible scenario. We hope for the best, but we always prepare for the worst. Let us not underestimate the effects of Super Typhoon Inday. Let us be prepared," the mayor said.

Following the meeting, Zamora inspected MMDA’s emergency response equipment to ensure the readiness of personnel and resources for any potential emergency and disaster response operations.

The equipment included rescue boats, tents, life jackets, power drills, water purifiers, and other emergency response equipment that may be utilized during rescue, evacuation, and relief operations should severe weather conditions affect Metro Manila.