The Malabon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) continuously monitors the city to develop appropriate preventive measures for Typhoon Aghon and other natural calamities. (Photo Courtesy: Malabon City Government)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The city government of Malabon is strengthening its efforts to prepare for the challenges of La Niña phenomenon, particularly in the safety of residents.
The Malabon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) recently conducted a response cluster briefing regarding the readiness of the local government in terms of emergency response equipment and contingency plans as the city raised a Blue Alert Status due to the Typhoon Aghon (international name Ewiniar).
In line with this, the MDRRMO also developed protocol during typhoons and flash floods according to the Operation LISTO program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This is an emergency protocol model that follows a whole-of-government approach for effective disaster preparedness, response, and monitoring.
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval ensured that the local government will continue to implement proactive measures to protect the residents from the harmful effects of the destructive weather phenomenon.
“Ating sinimulan ang mga paghahanda para sa pagbabago upang tayo ay hindi maapektuhan ng lubos tuwing may bagyo at iba pang kalamidad at walang Malabueñong mahihirapan o mapapahamak,” said Sandoval.
[We have started the preparation for the changes in the (weather) to lessen the impacts of typhoons and other calamities and to ensure that no Malabueño will suffer and be subject to danger.]
“Ngayong ating inaasahan ang tag-ulan na dulot ng posibleng La Niña, makakaasa po kayo na ang ating pamahalaang lungsod ay naririto upang tumulong, magbigay ng abiso, at magsagawa ng mga programa para sa ating kaligtasan. Nakahanda ang ating mga kagamitan, at ang mga kawani upang masiguro na lahat ng Malabueño ay nasa mabuting kalagayan sa panahon na kinakailangan,” she added.
(Now that we are expecting the rainy season due to the possible onset of La Niña, rest assured that the local government is here to help, give advisory, and implement programs for safety. Our equipment is ready alongside our stakeholders to ensure the well-being of every Malabueño in times of need.)
Through the Oplan LISTO program, the local government will be in close coordination with the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) Response Cluster as well as the DRRMCs of respective barangays to align efforts before and during thunderstorms and other calamities in the city.
The City Engineering Office meanwhile reported that the 54 pumping stations near critical waterways are all operational along with the 101 floodgates which were placed to prevent heavy flooding.
On the other hand, the rescue boats of the local government are also ready for deployment in case there is a need to help stranded residents due to heavy rains. In addition, a total of 3 flood sensors and rain gauges are placed along the Tullahan River to monitor its water level.
The local government also utilizes the over 100 CCTV cameras of its Command and Communication Center to continuously monitor different areas and ensure that reports related to calamities will be immediately and properly catered to. The said center also has high level radios and monitoring systems designed for disaster response.
Further, early warning sirens were placed at S1 Warehouse in Barangay San Agustin, Barangay Catmon Super Health Center, Barangay Dampalit Hall, and Malabon Action Center in Barangay Potrero to alert residents when thunderstorms are expected to hit the city.
The “Estero Rangers” deployed by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) are complementing these initiatives through the conduct of daily declogging operations in Dampalit Mega Dike, Dampalit River, Malabon-Navotas and Lapu-lapu River, Pinagsabugan Creek, the creeks in Catmon, Tugatog, Letre, among others.
City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete, for his part, encouraged the residents to cooperate with the local government to keep them safe from the impacts of typhoons and other natural calamities.
“Prayoridad natin ang kaligtasan ng mga Malabueño kahit anumang panahon, tag-init man o tag-ulan. Ang ating mga paghahanda ay kailangan upang masigurong walang Malabueño ang mahihirapan o masasaktan tuwing may kalamidad. Kaya naman ating pinapayuhan ang ating mga kababayan na makipagugnayan sa amin at makipagtulungan upang makaiwas sa anumang sakunang dulot ng pagbaha,” said Rosete.
(The safety of Malabueños is our priority regardless if it is dry or rainy season. Our preparations are necessary to ensure that no Malabueño will suffer or get hurt during calamities. That is why we are advising our fellow citizens to connect and collaborate with us to avoid any mishaps brought by flooding.)
On April 19, 2024, it can be recalled that Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and the MDRRMO jointly held a flood drill in Barangay Dampalit to educate about 100 residents about disaster response and evacuation plans. The participants of the drill also received emergency and hygiene kits for their use in case of necessity. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
