All rail lines suspend operations amid 'Rolly' onslaught
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 1:01 p.m.) — With the threat of super typhoon Rolly, all four of Metro Manila's rail lines, namely the Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2, Metro Rail Transit-Line 3 and Philippine National Railways have been suspended until further notice, the transportation department said Sunday.
This comes after state weather bureau PAGASA placed the National Capital Region under Signal No. 4, indicating the risk of "very heavy damage to high–risk structures and heavy damage to medium risk structures" in a locality that "is very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon."
"Please be informed that LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 will suspend their respective operations effective immediately...Passengers and employees who are already on trains and stations will be ferried to their destinations," the transportation department said in a statement.
Operations along the EDSA Busway, however, continue amid the typhoon.
In a separate advisory, PNR general manager Junn Magno said: "Due to severe weather condition brought about by typhoon Rolly, Train service of PNR is temporarily suspended until further notice."
"MSC 1008 leaving Tutuban station at 10:06 AM will be the sweeper train to ferry all remaining passengers and personnel. Bicol Commuter Train already suspended effective opening of business hours. Operation, Engineering, RSM and Security Personnel are hereby placed on high-alert status," he also said.
Later Sunday noon, the Department of Transportation announced that the EDSA Busway Consortium would also suspend its operations starting 1 p.m. on Sunday.
"Due to the inclement weather, and considering that the National Capital Region (NCR) is under typhoon signal no. 4, the EDSA busway consortium will suspend their operations at 1:00PM today," it said in a road sector advisory.
Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said its predictive analytics suggested that between 19 to 31 million Filipinos will possibly be affected by the storm based on the population count in the areas within the typhoon track.
PAGASA in its advisories is warning of flooding, rain-induced landslides, and possibly even lahar flows due to prolonged rainfall.
— Franco Luna
Follow this thread for updates on tropical cyclone Rolly (international name: Goni).
Australia provides an additional P28.52 million to support Filipino communities affected by tropical cyclone Rolly in the Bicol Region.
This will help the government provide food, repair damaged homes and support emergency medical teams in the region. Australia's latest commitment will directly assist 23,345 people, including 2,990 women and girls.
"This support is even more critical following Typhoon Ulysses that caused further hardship for the people in the Bicol Region. Australia stands with the Philippines in this time of need," Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson says.
President Rodrigo Duterte may place the regions of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol under state of calamity because of the impact of typhoon "Rolly," Malacañang says.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a recommendation to place the three Luzon regions under state of calamity to fast-track the recovery of the typhoon-ravaged areas.
"Most likely, but let us wait for the document that will come from the Office of the President," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing when asked if Duterte would adopt the recommendation of the council. — Alexis Romero
The provincial board has placed Camarines Sur under state of calamity following the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly.
In a resolution released Monday, the local government cited strong winds and torrential rains, as well as the extensive flooding and other damages brought about by the typhoon.
At 3 p.m., Tropical Storm Rolly was located 225 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales.
The cyclone bears maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is moving north northwestward at 15 kph.
Vice President Leni Robredo posts photos of the first signs of devastation brought about by Typhoon Rolly in Camarines Sur.
Robredo says she left Manila before dawn on Monday to visit the typhoon-hit province.
The vice president will also be visiting Albay and Catanduanes.
Left Manila before dawn today. Just arrived CamSur and these were the first signs of devastation we saw. Will be going around Albay and Catanduanes, as well.
Posted by Leni Gerona Robredo on Sunday, 1 November 2020
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