by: Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
MANILA, (PIA) — Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and as part of ongoing relief efforts amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is deploying water purification teams to the flood and landslide-hit areas in the country.
According to the MMDA, Chairman Atty. Don Artes, also concurrent Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairperson, led the inspection of the 30 solar-powered, portable water purification machines earlier today, that would be immediately dispatched to assist local government units (LGUs) in affected areas.
Each mobile unit is capable of producing 180 gallons of potable water per hour, providing essential resources for cooking and drinking to affected residents, the MMDA told PIA-NCR.
Artes, for his part, highlighted the importance of access to clean water during emergencies and noted the swift response from the MMDA.
The decision to deploy these teams was made during an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Wednesday morning, October 23, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, where President Marcos emphasized the urgency of providing clean water to those in need and tasked the MMDA to lead the effort.
In the wake of the disaster, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that nearly 400,000 people have been impacted by Kristine, particularly in the Bicol Region as of Wednesday morning.
The NDRRMC’s situational report revealed that a total of 382,302 individuals, or 77,910 families, have been affected by the storm. Among them, 379,784 individuals, or 77,335 families, are located in the Bicol Region.
Of those affected, 12,334 individuals, or 3,095 families, have been displaced.
The NDRRMC has confirmed that assistance will be provided to those impacted by the storm. Other regions affected include Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Additionally, the NDRRMC reported three missing persons in the Bicol Region. The storm has rendered several roads and bridges impassable, and the area is experiencing power outages. The damage includes 57 houses.
The disaster agency also noted that 4,753 passengers, 703 rolling cargoes, 26 vessels, and 13 motorbancas are stranded due to the suspension of sea travel caused by severe weather conditions.
Moreover, classes and work in government offices in affected areas have also been suspended.
The MMDA’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and ensure that essential services are restored to those in need. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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