QC gov't orders forced evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas; urges work suspension to private companies
By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The local government of Quezon City started the forced evacuation of residents living in flood-prone areas and urged work suspension for private companies and business establishments in the city on Sunday, Sept. 25.
QC LGU issued the advisories after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 3 in Metro Manila due to Super typhoon ‘Karding.’
The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (QCDRRMC) also raised the “red alert” status of the typhoon warning in the city where preemptive evacuation will be implemented in high-risk flood areas and selected areas.
The list of barangays and their corresponding evacuation centers is posted on the city’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/QCGov/posts/pfbid02DKN12SG3fTBVhqMZFUciRDnpu9tfKpCxsBBUsepNwJsRRsDhvJqN6vjrBiAUUYupl
The city earlier cancelled work in local government offices and Covid-19 vacinations scheduled on Sunday until Monday, Sept. 26.
Essential government services including law enforcement, traffic management, fire protection, health and rescue, disaster response, and management should remain uninterrupted, it added.
The city government also urged private companies and business establishments to suspend work from the afternoon of Sept. 25 to Sept. 26, or to enforce convenient working methods like work-from-home set-ups.
"Private companies are also advised to prepare sleeping quarters or shuttle service for its essential employees as needed." the city government said.
It also advised everyone to save water for an anticipated emergency water service interruption due to the heavy rain caused by the super typhoon.
The weather bureau issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 in Metro Manila at 8 a.m. and was raised to Signal No. 4 at 2:40 p.m.
The city government urged the residents to contact its hotline numbers in case of emergencies:
Emergency Operations Center: 0916-630-6686, 0961-239-5097
Emergency Medical Services/Urban Search and Rescue : 892-843-96 (landline); 0947-884-7498 (Smart) 0927-061-5592 (Globe)