The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local government units to conduct forced evacuations in areas hit hard by rains from Habagat. According to the order, children, elderly, and the disabled must be evacuated immediately for their safety.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued a memorandum to the PNP and BFP to assist in the evacuation and ensure the safety of people while they are being taken to evacuation centers. The order also includes the coordination of LGUs with the DSWD for the immediate distribution of relief goods.
According to the NDRRMC, 1.27 million people have been affected by typhoon Wipha, the southwest monsoon, and low-pressure areas (LPA). Of this number, nearly 82,000 have been evacuated from their homes, but nearly 65,000 have not yet reached evacuation centers.
The DILG advised officials to follow Operation Listo, a guide that contains steps to take before, during, and after a disaster. It has three alert levels — Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie — based on tropical cyclone warning signals.
PAGASA also warned of heavy rains in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, and others. The La Mesa Dam has overflowed, potentially causing flooding in Quezon City, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas. Meanwhile, the Marikina River has raised the second alarm after the water level reached 18.2 meters. So far, there have been six reported deaths, five injured, and six missing.
