INTERIOR Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Wednesday said that the Metro Manila is now under the state of calamity amid the massive flooding.
“Because of what is happening, Mr. President, lalo na sa Metro Manila, ang rekomendasyon po namin po rito baka puwedeng mai-declare po natin ang state of calamity ang Metro Manila. ‘Yun po ang napag-usapan namin kanina,” Abalos said in a situation briefing with Marcos and other government officials on Typhoon Carina.
The declaration of a state of calamity enables the local government to access emergency funds swiftly and implement relief operations to aid the displaced residents.
Large portions of Metro Manila and nearby provinces were flooded on Wednesday amid the heavy overnight rains brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat that was enhanced by Typhoon Carina in the north.
In his report during the briefing, Abalos showed photos of flooding in cities in Metro Manila.
“Karamihan ng ating mga kalye may tubig na,” Abalos said.
Abalos specifically mentioned to Marcos that 70% of Navotas City, 80% of Malabon City, and 60% of Valenzuela City are experiencing flooding.
“Ito po ay dahil ‘yung kanilang flood control ay na-damage po na tinamaan ng isang ship. So it exacerbated tapos nagkaroon pa po tayo ng tubig ngayon,” Abalos said.
According to Abalos, the mayors of the said cities are “on top” of the situation and the evacuation of their residents is ongoing.
After Abalos’ report, Marcos acknowledged the situation in the National Capital Region.
“Mabigat pa rin pala dito sa Metro Manila,” Marcos said.
Abalos, in response, the amount of rainfall has worsened the situation.
“Ang masaklap po ang amount ng rainfall, Mr. President, napakalaki ng tubig,” Abalos said.
