The Urban Search and Rescue Team of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council conduct rescue operations in Barangay Roxas to help families who were trapped in their homes. (Photo courtesy of QCDRRMC)
NAVOTAS CITY, (PIA) — As Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continues to impact communities nationwide, the Quezon City government is taking steps to ensure the safety of families living in flood-prone areas through preemptive evacuation measures.
The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office began deploying rescue teams to high-risk areas identified as vulnerable to significant flooding after Metro Manila was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.
Quezon City is home to the La Mesa Dam, which is at risk of overflowing if heavy rains persist. As of 12:40 PM on October 24, the reservoir’s water level was recorded at 79.63 meters, approaching the critical level, with the spilling level set at 80.15 meters.
In response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, Mayor Joy Belmonte visited the Emergency Operations Center of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC) to monitor the dam’s condition and assess the status of flood-prone areas. This action by the local chief executive aims to determine the necessary interventions to mitigate the impacts of the severe tropical storm.
A total of 1,033 families, comprising 3,887 individuals, have been safely evacuated across 18 barangays in Quezon City as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continues to threaten the region.
The local government has set up 23 evacuation centers to provide temporary shelter for evacuees. Notable centers include San Francisco Elementary School, the Barangay Project 6 Hall, Barangay Bahay Toro Covered Court 2, and Trinity University of Asia High School in Barangay Damayan Lagi, among others.
“The city is committed to supporting families in evacuation sites by providing hot meals and meeting their other basic needs,” the local government said.
In addition to food, evacuees are receiving vitamins, supplements, and medications from the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD). Health workers are actively addressing the medical needs of those sheltered in the centers.
Special provisions have been made for pregnant women and lactating mothers, ensuring they have a safe space to support their well-being and the nutrition of their babies.
To assist commuters facing transportation challenges, the city’s “Libreng Sakay” program continues to operate. The QCity Bus offers free rides along several routes, including:
- Quezon City Hall to Cubao
- Quezon City Hall to Litex/IBP Road
- Welcome Rotonda to Aurora Katipunan
- Quezon City Hall to General Luis
- Quezon City Hall to Mindanao Avenue via Visayas Avenue
- Quezon City Hall to Gilmore
- Quezon City Hall to C5/Ortigas Avenue Extension
- Quezon City Hall to Muñoz
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow afternoon, October 25. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
