Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista warned families living near waterways and riverbanks to start evacuating as QC braces for tropical storm “Chedeng”.
In a statement, the Mayor said there is an urgent need for these families to relocate to safer grounds to minimize loss of lives and properties against any eventualities that maybe brought about by “Chedeng”.
The Mayor ordered members of the QC disaster risk reduction management council and concerned barangay executives to start informing the informal settler families, especially those living near waterways and riverbanks, that they are facing greater risks should there be occurrences of flashfloods.
Barangays near the Tullahan River, including Sta. Lucia, Sta. Monica, North Farview and West Fairview, are among those considered as flood-prone areas in Quezon City.
The Quezon City government is putting in place preventive measures to bolster the necessary preparations as typhoon “Chedeng” moves towards the metropolis.
Recently, the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QDRRM), on orders from the Mayor, alerted the QC residents particularly those living in the low lying barangays against possible flashfloods that may be caused by typhoons similar to “Ondoy.”
According to QCDRRMC action officer and Department of Public and Order Safety Head Elmo DG. San Diego, the barangay officials from flood prone communities have undergone disaster preparedness training during a series of seminars to enhance their capabilities to carry out search and rescue operations.
QDRRMC has organized local response teams for a fast mobilization of local manpower during emergencies like flashfloods.
Mayor Bautista instructed San Diego to organize 24/7 standby rescue teams stationed in every barangay and within the Quezon City Hall compound to ensure the safety of all QC residents, especially those living along the waterways.
According to PAGASA, Typhoon Chedeng has maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) and is expected to bring heavy rains to several areas of the country, including Metro Manila. -30- Precy/Rico/Ej/ Maureen Quinones, PAISO
