MMDA deploys clearing teams in Basyang's wake

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday acted swiftly in the wake of typhoon Basyang as it deployed clearing teams and traffic enforcers to manage traffic and remove debris from Metro’s streets.

MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno said that as early as 2 a.m. yesterday, members of the agency’s road clearing group, armed with chainsaws, were sent out to clear Roxas Boulevard of two large trees that were felled by Basyang’s strong winds.

Clearing teams, also armed with chainsaws, were sent to clear tree debris along Meralco Avenue in Pasig City. “The debris have to be cleared immediately as they also affected power lines. Some debris have even crashed on electric posts,” Nacianceno said. He said flooding yesterday in Metro Manila was only “gutter deep” with minor debris strewn on most of the streets.

The MMDA suspended the “number coding” yesterday as many commuters were left stranded in the streets with the Metro Rail Transit system grinding to a halt as the power outage struck.  – Mike Frialde, Reinier Padua