OVP mobilizes quick response in typhoon-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines — The office of Vice President Leni Robredo has mobilized quick response efforts to assist those who have been affected by Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco).

“Spent the entire night answering calls for rescue in Bicol. Many people trapped by floodwaters inside their houses. Complaints that they were not warned enough,” Robredo tweeted yesterday morning.

“We are also monitoring effects in Quezon and the Greater Manila Area. Heavy flooding also in Marikina and some parts of Rizal,” she added in a separate update on Facebook.

Robredo’s office initiated a crowdsourcing for rubber boats that can be lent to local government units in Metro Manila and nearby areas that were overwhelmed with calls for rescue.

In Bicol, which is still reeling from the impact of Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni), the Vice President said among the worst hit were the Camarines provinces.

“Initial reports from the ground show that Typhoon Ulysses hit Bicol harder than what everyone initially expected. We are trying to get as many reports on the ground as possible,” Robredo said on Wednesday as the typhoon brought torrential rains in the region.

“Common complaint is there is too much rain, typhoon was slow moving, they were not warned that it would be this strong,” she added.

Several rescue operations were conducted to assist those who were trapped because of the flooding, said the Office of the Vice President.