In preparation for the expected onslaught of Typhoon “Rolly”, the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC) has prepositioned its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in critical areas.
During a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting of the QCDRRMC, it was decided that USAR will be strategically stationed in barangays traversing G. Araneta Avenue, such as Barangay Apolonio Samson, Tatalon, Sto. Domingo, and Del Monte.
“With Typhoon ‘Rolly’ expected to carry winds between 165 kph to 185 kph, we deemed it best to put our rescue teams on ready and on standby in flood- and disaster-prone areas,” said DRRMO head Myke Marasigan.
The Social Services Development Department (SSDD), for its part, will deploy social workers and preposition soup kitchen and relief goods in various evacuation centers in anticipation of possible influx of evacuees from various Quezon flood-prone barangays.
The city has tapped the assistance of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) and City General Services Department (GSD) for the transportation of stranded evacuees due to floods.
In the same meeting, the Parks Development and Administration Department (PDAD) has been directed to trim trees along major thoroughfares to avoid accidents and hitting power lines.
The Department of Building Official (DBO) has ordered building administrators to roll up billboards and tarpaulin signs in buildings while construction companies have been directed to secure their heavy equipment, like tower cranes, in their respective construction sites.
Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded barangay officials to strictly follow health protocols in evacuation centers to ensure the safety of evacuees and frontliners.
“Residents are advised to call our Hotline 122 and we will immediately address your emergency concerns,” said Belmonte.
