MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of people in Metro Manila were evacuated yesterday due to heavy rains spawned by Rolly, said to be the strongest typhoon so far this year.
In Quezon City, the local government ordered the mandatory evacuation of over 5,000 residents in landslide-prone villages and low-lying areas.
In an advisory at around 4 p.m. yesterday, city hall said at least 5,167 individuals or 1,230 families were evacuated to safer grounds.
A breakdown showed that 1,875 residents of Barangay Alicia were evacuated to the Bago Bantay Elementary School and the barangay hall. At least 550 residents of Barangay Paraiso were also evacuated.
There were 272 evacuees in Barangays Damayang Lagi; Roxas, 218; Doña Imelda, 294; Kamuning, 140; Tatalon, 427; Kristong Hari, 18; Sta. Lucia, 381, and Baesa, 20.
The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said mandatory evacuation of families living in low-lying areas and near creeks in other barangays was enforced.
These include Barangays Fairview, Gulod, Kaligayahan, Nagkaisang Nayon, North Fairview, Novaliches Proper, San Agustin, San Bartolome, Sta. Monica, Culiat, Pasong Tamo and Tandang Sora.
The rest were Del Monte, Mariblo, Masambong, Sta. Cruz, Sto. Domingo, Talayan, Vasra, Payatas, Bagumbayan, Blue Ridge B, East Kamias, Saan Roque and Socorro.
In Muntinlupa, at least 1,332 families or 5,778 individuals were displaced by Typhoon Rolly.
Local officials said the evacuees, mostly living near Laguna de Bay, were brought to evacuation centers in Barangays Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan, Bayanan, Alabang, Cupang and Buli.
The city government converted 69 buildings such as schools, covered courts and multipurpose halls into evacuation centers.
In Taguig, the local government brought at least 360 residents to six evacuation centers in the city.
The local government said the evacuation centers were disinfected as a precaution against COVID-19.
The evacuation centers were equipped with modular tents occupied by each family to ensure physical distancing measures.
In Parañaque, Mayor Edwin Olivarez ordered the forced evacuation of residents at the Kaytalise Compound in Barangay San Dionisio.
Olivarez said the area is prone to landslide during flashfloods.
The affected families are temporarily taking shelter at the Palanyag gym.
The Makati government has raised a red alert status in anticipation of Typhoon Rolly.
Mayor Abby Binay ordered city hall departments to implement evacuation, clearing and relief operations.
In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno emphasized the importance of observing health protocols in evacuation centers as several residents were evacuated at the height of the typhoon.
Moreno ordered the local social welfare department to set up evacuation sites in Baseco, Rosauro Almario Elementary, Amado Hernandez Elementary School and covered courts in Barangays 105 and 128 in Smokey Mountain.
“While we prioritize the safety of the evacuees, our number one concern is still COVID-19,” Moreno said.
Around 341 families were affected by the typhoon in Manila as of 2:30 p.m. yesterday.
In Caloocan, Mayor Oscar Malapitan ordered the evacuation of residents in low-lying and landslide-prone barangays.
He said the city government has prepared food packs for the affected families.
Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta III directed local disaster officials to respond to emergency situations as vehicles and other equipment were placed on standby.
Valenzuela residents were cautioned against the surge of floodwaters at the Tullahan River.
Mayor Rex Gatchalian visited the evacuees at the Valenzuela National High School and distributed food packs.
The local government set up an animal shelter in the evacuation center, complete with cages and dog food.
EDSA busway, Pasig River ferry
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) suspended yesterday the EDSA busway system due to inclement weather.
The EDSA busway system was suspended beginning at 1 p.m., the DOTr said in an advisory.
Mall employees were stranded along Ortigas and Santolan along EDSA.
Celine Pialago, spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said the operations of the Pasig River ferry system were also canceled.
Pialago assured the public that the MMDA’s 56 pumping stations were working to prevent floods in low areas in the metropolis.
The Philippine Coast Guard said more than 20 yachts remained at the Manila Yacht Club along Roxas Boulevard yesterday amid a heavy downpour, PCG commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said.
No lotto games
Meanwhile, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced the suspension of the lotto games yesterday and today due to bad weather.
“Lotto draws will resume on Nov. 3,” PCSO general manager Royina Garma told reporters.
“Selling of lotto tickets in areas not affected by the typhoon will continue as scheduled,” Garma added. – Ghio Ong, Rey Galupo, Evelyn Macairan, Rainier Allan Ronda