Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (QCDRRMD) personnel clear a fallen sampaloc tree along Sct. Albano corner Panay Avenue in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, at around 6:38 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. (Photo courtesy of Barangay South Triangle)
Heavy rain and strong winds toppled an old sampaloc tree that blocked a road and tilted two telecommunications posts at the corner of Sct. Albano and Panay Avenue in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 16.
QCDRRMD personnel work to remove a fallen sampaloc tree along Sct. Albano corner Panay Avenue in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 16. (Photo courtesy of Barangay South Triangle)
The tree fell at around 4 p.m., nearly hitting passing vehicles as it came down in the middle of the road.
According to the barangay, the old tree toppled due to strong winds accompanying the heavy rain.
As the tree fell, it dragged wires connected to two telecommunications posts, causing the posts to tilt and the wires to become entangled in the fallen tree.
The incident blocked traffic and rendered the affected portion of the road impassable, prompting authorities to temporarily close it to motorists.
No injuries were reported.
The Barangay South Triangle Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Team was already on site assisting, while the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (QCDRRMD) conducted clearing operations and advised motorists and pedestrians to take alternate routes.
Power supply to some establishments around Sct. Albano was also temporarily cut off to allow crews to safely clear the area and attend to the fallen tree and affected wires.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported at 11 p.m. that one lane remained occupied by the fallen tree, while its enforcers were on site managing traffic.
As of 5:31 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, the affected area had yet to be cleared.