MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered disaster response agencies to ensure the timely issuance of warnings for incoming typhoons after Metro Manila and nearby regions reeled from the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) last week.
Marcos issued the directive on Tuesday during a sectoral meeting on preparations for the La Niña phenomenon at the Malacañan Palace.
In a social media post, the President also asked government agencies to provide the public with critical disaster information such as the location of evacuation centers and emergency hotlines.
‘The safety of our people is our top priority! I have directed our disaster response agencies to ensure Filipinos receive timely warnings about incoming typhoons, along with clear instructions on what actions to take and where to seek shelter or assistance,’ Marcos said.
‘We are committed to developing technology to protect lives for future calamities,’ he added.
Much of Metro Manila was submerged in floodw
ater after Typhoon Carina worsened torrential monsoon rains, trapping thousands in rising flood waters and causing widespread damage.
Images on social media saw residents on roofs waiting for rescue, while some commuters, along with public and private vehicles, were also stranded along thoroughfares that turned into rivers in Quezon City and other areas.
The National Capital Region, along with nearby towns, cities, and provinces, was placed under a state of calamity due to the severe flooding comparable to the effects of Tropical Storm Ondoy some 15 years ago.
In the meeting, Marcos also asked the concerned government agencies to strengthen flood control measures.
Source: Philippines News Agency