The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are preparing for the possible onslaught in Metro Manila of Super Typhoon Mawar, expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday.

MMDA acting chairman and concurrent MMDRRMC chairperson Atty. Don Artes  said  concerned government agencies and Metro Manila local government units are working together to prepare for the storm.

“MMDRRMC members shall monitor round-the-clock weather updates and situations, while disaster response units will monitor potential flooding in flood prone areas and waterways,” said Artes.

Artes said the MMDA’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, composed of 20 rescuers trained in water search and rescue operations, is on standby for deployment, and the agency has already identified critical areas in coordination with the Metro Manila LGUs for the possible mobilization of personnel and assets in case of flooding.

“Teams are prepared, equipped and trained. Communication lines are open with the LGUs so that teams will be immediately dispatched if needed,” said Artes.

Artes also met today with MMDRRMC heads of member agencies and local disaster risk reduction and management council officers during a pre-disaster assessment meeting to tackle the preparedness measures in response to the southwest monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by Super Typhoon “Mawar.”

MMDRRMC senior vice chairperson and Office of Civil Defense NCR regional director Romulo M. Cabantac Jr. joined Artes at the briefing.

In the meeting held at the MMDA New Building in Pasig City, weather updates and hazard situations were reported by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA). The Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOST and the OCD-NCR gave updates on their preparedness measures, while the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System reported initiatives on the looming water crisis and the El Niño phenomenon.