Metro on Blue Alert; ‘Inday’ felt soon

The government on Thursday placed Metro Manila under Blue Alert as tropical storm “Inday” threatened to intensify the southwest monsoon, prompting emergency agencies, police units, and the Philippine Coast Guard to prepare for possible flooding, travel disruptions and rescue operations.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) raised the alert status over the National Capital Region (NCR) as the storm was expected to bring heavy rains beginning Friday through Saturday.

The agency activated its virtual emergency operations center to coordinate with national government agencies, while its physical operations center will remain open until at least Saturday.

Rescue personnel and emergency assets have also been placed on standby.

OCD-NCR director George Keyser said local government units are in the best position to determine whether evacuations or other emergency measures will be necessary.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecast rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters over parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces as Inday enhances the southwest monsoon.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority warned the expected rainfall could trigger flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

PNP alert

As of Thursday, however, no region-wide suspension of classes had been announced.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) placed all police units nationwide under heightened alert and activated disaster response protocols.

PNP Community Affairs Division chief Col. Jonathan Abella said rescue equipment, patrol vehicles, communications assets, and emergency response teams had been inspected and prepositioned in areas likely to be affected by the storm.

“The PNP remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted police services and the protection of lives and property throughout the duration of the weather disturbance,” Abella said.

He said police units were coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, and local government units to support preemptive evacuations and other emergency operations.

In Cagayan Valley, Police Regional Office 2 activated its disaster preparedness plans, including Oplan Tambuli, under which officers have been warning residents of coastal communities, riverbanks, and landslide-prone areas to prepare for possible evacuation.

Rough seas

Regional director Brig. Gen. Mariano Rodriguez said the Reactionary Standby Support Force has been placed on standby for search, rescue and humanitarian missions.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended the voyages of small vessels from several ports in Northern Cebu because of rough seas and strong winds.

The suspension covers Coast Guard stations in Daanbantayan, Malapascua, Bantayan, Madridejos and Santa Fe, affecting motor bancas, fishing boats and other light watercraft.

Larger vessels may sail only with a Coast Guard clearance and subject to prevailing weather conditions.

The Coast Guard urged travelers and fisherfolk to defer sea travel and closely monitor official advisories until weather and sea conditions improve.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to remain on full alert as typhoon “Inday” threatened to intensify the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rains to large parts of the country.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday the President continues to closely monitor the storm’s movement and has instructed agencies not to let their guard down despite ongoing preparations.

“President Marcos Jr. is reminding all agencies not to be complacent and to continuously monitor the progress of typhoon ‘Inday,’” Castro said.