MMDA ready for Typhoon ‘Tisoy’

December 2, 2019

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday said they are prepared for Typhoon ''Tisoy''.

In a press conference, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia assured that they have made necessary preparations ahead of time.

He added that they have coordinated with local government units in Metro Manila as Tisoy continues to head towards Luzon.

"We are 100 percent prepared for Typhoon 'Tisoy'. As a matter of fact, we have already activated the four quadrants in the metro to facilitate a more efficient response when emergency situations arise during typhoon,” Garcia said.

"If they (local government units) need our support, we're a hundred percent willing," he added.

As of 11 am, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (Pagasa) reported that 'Tisoy' was last located at 235 kilometers east southeast of Virac, Catanduanes.

It is moving west at 25 kilometers per hour with winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour and gusts of 185 kilometers per hour.

Pagasa raised storm signal no. 3 in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, southern area of Camarines Norte and Burias.

Signal no.2 was hoisted over in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Masbate.

Sports facilities in Manila, Pampanga, Cavite and Batangas are hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games. 

Garcia added that coastal and surge prone areas are set for expected high level surge within the next few hours.

"We pray that it won't reach four meters. Still, if the areas reach four meter storm surge, we are prepared. The quadrant heads and LGUs are ready and already coordinated with us," he added.

Captain Armando Balilo, spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard, said added that several ports in Metro Manila were closed due to rough seas. 

"Based on the Philippine Coast Guard's regulation, when public storm warning signal is already raised in an area, all maritime activities are no allowed," Balilo explained.

According to Pagasa's 5  am storm surge forecast, coastal areas in Quezon, Camarines Norte, and Samar are expected to experience one to two meters of storm surge.

The weather bureau also reported coastal areas in Catanduanes and Camarines Sur might have two to three-metershigh storm surge.

Pagasa said the surge will create "moderate to severe damage to communities, coastal or marine infrastructures and disruptions to all marine-related activities." It will also cause possible flooding in affected areas.

Garcia also said that the agency has coordinated with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), Department of Interior and Local Government National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS