LGUs prepare for Betty

MANILA, Philippines — The city governments of Marikina and Muntinlupa have mobilized their vehicles and resources for search and relief operations in preparation for Super Typhoon Betty.

In Marikina, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has ordered the prepositioning of rescue boats and other equipment in different parts of the city, including in riverside communities.

Among these areas are Provident Village and Homeowners Drive in Barangay Sto. Nino, along A. Santos street in Barangay Tumana and Bayabas street in Barangay Nangka.

The city government has also conducted a siren test of its alarm system at the Marikina River.

In Muntinlupa, the city’s department of disaster resilience and management readied vehicles, rescue equipment, first aid kits, evacuation tents, hygiene kits and medicines to ensure the safety of its residents.

Emergency response teams are also on standby and ready to respond to emergency situations.

Billboards in the city were also taken down to prevent accidents.

Yellow alert

The Quezon City disaster risk reduction and management council was placed on yellow alert in preparation for the possible impact of Super Typhoon Betty.

Local officials met with district action officers and barangay leaders on Friday to ensure that all areas are ready to respond to the needs of residents who may be affected by the super typhoon.

According to the city government, disaster action teams are on standby in case there is a need for evacuation of residents in low-lying areas.

Rescue equipment were prepositioned in flood-prone areas.

The local government has also prepared its supply of first aid kits, evacuation tents, hygiene kits, personal protective equipment and medicines to be provided to evacuees.

The city’s law and order cluster also conducted a rescue operation for street dwellers while its engineering department conducted drainage declogging and cleanup operations in partnership with the district action office.

The city social service department also started preparing its “baha package” for evacuees, which includes a mat, five kilos of rice, 20 canned goods, two cupcakes, five sachets of coffee, a liter of water and a pack of diapers.

The local government advised residents to monitor its social media accounts for the latest updates. Emergencies may also be reported to the QC Helpline 122. — Janvic Mateo