Quezon City has joined the rescue and relief efforts in the severely flooded area of Calumpit in Bulacan by sending a 20-man rescue team and two rubber boats over the weekend to help people still trapped in chest-deep floodwaters.
QC’s rescue boat team, which won top honors in the recently concluded 2nd inter-local government unit rescue boat challenge in Pasig City, was the only group that managed to reach Barangay Sta. Lucia, one of seven barangays in Calumpit hardest hit by floodwaters.
At least 50 families at Sitio Bulusan in Barangay Sta. Lucia were provided relief goods by the rescue team sent by the QC government.
A middle-aged woman who fell from a five-storey house was also rescued by the QC team in Calumpit. The woman was immediately brought to the Malolos General Hospital for treatment for injuries.
The QC rescue boat team from the disaster control division of the department of public order and safety also brought along life vests, safety nets and ropes for the rescue and relief efforts.
On orders of Mayor Herbert Bautista, the QC government is strengthening its disaster response capability to minimize loss of lives and damage to properties against any eventualities, especially typhoon and floods.
With the changing pattern in the weather system brought about by climate change, the Mayor underscored the importance of pre-positioning the city’s disaster preparedness programs, including the retraining of the city’s rescue and disaster control personnel to further improve their response capability in times of calamities, be it man-made or natural.
“Preparedness is the key in the prevention of any life-threatening situation,” the Mayor said. Precy/ Ramir/ Ej/ Maureen Quiñones, PAISO
