Marikina readies disaster teams ahead of Typhoon Uwan

In preparation for the upcoming Typhoon Uwan, Marikina City Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro has mobilized the city’s disaster response teams, instructing them to clear waterways, ready evacuation sites, and ensure swift assistance to affected communities.

On Wednesday, 07 November, Teodoro led a coordination meeting with the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to ensure the city’s full preparedness and swift response ahead of Typhoon Uwan.

To ensure the safety and readiness of residents, Teodoro ordered all concerned departments to conduct massive declogging operations in waterways and preposition rescue boats in strategic areas.

“Inatasan ko na ang ating operatives na magsagawa ng massive declogging sa ating waterways upang masigurado ang maayos na daloy ng tubig,” she said.

(“I have ordered our operatives to conduct massive declogging in our waterways to ensure the smooth flow of water.”)

“I also directed them na mag-preposition na ng rescue boats sa mga flood-prone barangays para ma-ensure natin ang quick response sa possible evacuation,” the mayor added.

(“I also directed them to preposition rescue boats in flood-prone barangays to ensure quick response during possible evacuations.”)

Teodoro also said that a total of 36 evacuation camps are already on standby should there be a need to evacuate families.

“Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon tayong 36 evacuation camps na nakahanda para sa mga pamilyang lilikas,” she said.

(“At present, we have 36 evacuation camps ready for families who may need to evacuate.”)

The mayor said that the community kitchens in the city have already been mobilized to provide immediate hot meals for possible evacuees.

“Pina-activate ko na rin ang ating mga community kitchen para makapag-serve ng hot meals sa ating possible evacuees para matiyak makakain sila habang nasa evacuation camps natin,” she said.

(“I have also activated our community kitchens to serve hot meals to possible evacuees and ensure they can eat while staying in our evacuation camps.”)

The local chief executive also said that personnel of the Marikina City Health Office have already prepared to respond to urgent medical needs that may arise during the onslaught of the strong typhoon.

“Sa mga panahong ito, napakahalaga na coordinated lahat ng mga department para masigurado natin ang safety and welfare ng ating mga residente rito sa Marikina,” she said.

(“At times like this, it is very important that all departments are coordinated to ensure the safety and welfare of our residents here in Marikina.”)

Teodoro stressed that preparedness is very crucial in safeguarding lives and protecting property from the possible impact of Typhoon Uwan.

She urged residents to remain vigilant, follow official advisories from the city government, closely monitor the Marikina River’s water level, and cooperate with local authorities to ensure their safety.

“Nananawagan po tayo sa lahat na maghanda at makiisa. Sa sama-samang pagkilos, malalampasan natin ang anumang bagyo,” she said.

(“We call on everyone to prepare and cooperate. Through collective effort, we can overcome any storm.”)