MMDA preparing for La Niña

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing for the effects of La Niña on Metro Manila, an official said yesterday.

Chairman Emerson Carlos said the MMDA is coordinating with local officials, focusing on the metropolis’ 85 flood-prone areas.

State weather experts said the full effects of La Niña, which brings heavy rains, would be felt in October, according to Carlos.

He said La Niña would bring 20 days of “above normal rainfall” in a month.

Carlos said the MMDA has cleared Metro Manila’s waterways and made sure that all of its flood pumping stations are working.

He said the agency is preparing for a scenario similar to the flooding Metro Manila experienced following Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009.