NCR LATEST UPDATE: Under State of Calamity Due to Massive Floods and Heavy Rains
The National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines has been officially placed under a state of calamity following relentless heavy rains and massive flooding this week. The torrential downpours have led to widespread disruption, affecting daily life and causing significant damage to infrastructure and property.
NCR LATEST UPDATE: Metro Manila Council Declares State of Calamity Due to Typhoon Carina
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), comprising the 17 mayors of NCR and led by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Don Artes, convened at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City to reach a significant decision. During this meeting, 12 mayors from Caloocan, Pasay, Pateros, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Makati, Navotas, Taguig, Pasig, Manila, and San Juan voted in favor of declaring a state of calamity. However, the mayors from Malabon, Marikina, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, and Parañaque were unable to attend due to the ongoing disaster.
Secretary Abalos emphasized the importance of coordination in these critical times, stating, “What is important right now is Magkaroon tayo ng (we have) coordination… The motion is hereby approved that Metro Manila is now in a state of calamity.” This declaration will enable local government units (LGUs) to access emergency funds, facilitating swift relief operations and the deployment of aid to affected residents. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora noted in a DZBB radio interview that the declaration allows LGUs to fully utilize their quick response funds, as opposed to being restricted to only 70 percent of these resources.
On Wednesday, Typhoon Carina, combined with the southwest monsoon (“habagat”), brought heavy to intense rainfall to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, leading to extensive flooding. By 4:30 p.m., the MMDA reported flooding ranging from gutter-deep to chest-high in Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Quezon City, Pasay, Taguig, Pasig, and Valenzuela City.
Senate and House to Examine Widespread Flooding in NCR
The House Committee on Metro Manila Development is demanding an explanation for the severe flooding in Metro Manila caused by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and Typhoon Carina.
NCR LATEST UPDATE: House Committee Seeks Explanation for Metro Manila Flooding
Manila Second District Representative Rolando Valeriano, who chairs the committee, announced that an inquiry will be held on July 31, 2024, to investigate the issue. Key government agencies, including the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), are expected to provide answers and insights during the inquiry.
Valeriano emphasized the need for preparedness, stating, “We should have been prepared for this. Always expect the worst. Our benchmark should be Super Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and Yolanda in 2013.” He stressed the importance of hearing long-term plans from these agencies to prevent such calamities from recurring.
The National Capital Region (NCR) was declared under a state of calamity on July 24 due to the extensive flooding brought about by the enhanced Habagat and Typhoon Carina, which submerged numerous residential barangays and displaced thousands of families. Initial reports indicate that seven individuals have lost their lives due to the two weather systems.
In addition, Senate President Francis Escudero announced his intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the government’s flood control projects. He noted that approximately P255 billion was allocated to the DPWH for flood control projects in the P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024
NCR LATEST UPDATE: Extent of the Flooding
The heavy rains, exacerbated by a low-pressure area (LPA) intensified by the southwest monsoon, have led to widespread flooding across the National Capital Region (NCR). The incessant downpour has caused rivers and drainage systems to overflow, resulting in severe inundation in both urban and suburban areas. The sheer volume of water has overwhelmed existing infrastructure, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the region’s flood management systems.
Many key districts in Metro Manila, including Manila, Quezon City, and Marikina, have been particularly hard-hit. In these areas, water levels have risen dramatically, submerging streets, homes, and commercial establishments. Major thoroughfares such as EDSA and C5 have become impassable, creating severe traffic congestion and complicating rescue and relief operations. Public transportation has been severely disrupted, stranding commuters and limiting access to essential services.
The severity of the flooding has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters set up by local authorities. Evacuation centers are operating at full capacity, providing basic necessities and medical care to displaced families. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with ongoing rainfall posing continuous threats to both safety and property. The extensive flooding underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the region.
NCR LATEST UPDATE: Impact on Communities
- Displacement: Thousands of families have been evacuated to temporary shelters as their homes were inundated with floodwater. Evacuation centers have been set up in schools, gymnasiums, and other public buildings to accommodate the displaced residents.
- Infrastructure Damage: The floods have caused significant damage to roads, bridges, and public utilities. Several areas are experiencing power outages and disrupted water supply.
- Health Concerns: The risk of waterborne diseases has increased, with health officials urging residents to take precautions and ensure the safety of their drinking water.
NCR LATEST UPDATE: Government Response
In response to the calamity, the national government, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), has mobilized resources to provide immediate assistance and relief to the affected communities. This includes:
- Relief Operations: Distribution of food packs, drinking water, and essential supplies to displaced families.
- Medical Assistance: Deployment of medical teams to evacuation centers to address health concerns and provide necessary medical care.
- Infrastructure Repair: Immediate assessment and repair of damaged infrastructure to restore connectivity and essential services.
NCR LATEST UPDATE: Public Advisory
The public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and closely monitor the warnings and advisories issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and local authorities. These updates provide crucial information on weather conditions, potential hazards, and necessary precautions to ensure safety. Regularly checking reliable news sources and official social media channels can help residents stay informed and prepared for any developments.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are particularly urged to prioritize their safety by staying in secure locations. If evacuation orders are given, it is essential to comply promptly to avoid the risks associated with rising floodwaters. Families should have emergency kits ready, including essential items such as food, water, clothing, and important documents, to facilitate a swift and organized evacuation if needed.
Furthermore, individuals should avoid venturing into flooded areas for any reason, as this poses significant dangers, including the risk of drowning, electrocution from submerged power lines, and exposure to waterborne diseases. It is also important to be cautious of landslides in hilly or mountainous regions. By taking these precautions and cooperating with authorities, the public can contribute to minimizing the impact of the flooding and ensure their own safety and that of their loved ones.
NCR LATEST UPDATE: Conclusion
The declaration of a state of calamity in NCR Updates underscores the severe impact of the recent heavy rains and flooding on the region. While the government and various agencies are working tirelessly to address the immediate needs of the affected population, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges of disaster preparedness and response in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
For continuous updates and information, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels and stay connected with local authorities. The Latest Update in National Capital Region in the Philippines is currently under a state of calamity due to heavy rains and massive flooding brought on by the southwest monsoon, which was intensified by Typhoon Carina. The declaration was made by the Metro Manila Council to enable quick access to emergency funds and facilitate relief operations. The floods have caused significant disruption, including the delay of relief efforts in areas such as Camanava (Manila Standard).