OCD places Metro Manila on Blue Alert ahead of Typhoon Inday

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has placed Metro Manila under Blue Alert as Typhoon Inday is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rains across the National Capital Region.

The OCD said the alert level places rescue and response personnel on standby and activates closer coordination among government agencies in preparation for possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies.

The agency has opened its virtual Emergency Operations Center to facilitate online coordination, while its physical Emergency Operations Center will remain operational until Saturday.

OCD-National Capital Region Director George Keyser said local government units remain in the best position to assess conditions in their respective jurisdictions.

"Naniniwala ako na yung LGUs ang mas nakakaalam doon sa kanilang mga lugar at pangangailangan ng kanilang mga constituents," Keyser said.

The agency also said emergency response equipment has been prepositioned in strategic locations nationwide.

Authorities expect the heaviest rainfall from Friday through Saturday, with forecast precipitation ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters.

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

Despite the forecast, no region-wide suspension of classes has been announced.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said all police personnel, regional offices, and concerned units have been placed under heightened alert in preparation for the possible effects of Typhoon Inday.

PNP Community Affairs Division chief Col. Jonathan Abella said disaster preparedness and emergency response protocols have already been activated, with personnel on standby for immediate deployment.

"Rescue equipment, patrol vehicles, communication assets and other emergency response resources have likewise been inspected and prepositioned in areas that may be affected," Abella said.

He added that the PNP is coordinating closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the OCD, and local government units to support preemptive evacuations and public safety operations.

"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.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier warned that Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon are expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains across large parts of the country.