“Egay” brings heavy downpour in Metro Manila, prompts cancellation of classes and government work

By Ronron
August 15, 2007

Typhoon “Egay” (International name: Sepat) brought heavy downpour on Wednesday in Metro Manila, mostly in the morning, causing flood in some parts of the capital that prompted the government to suspend classes at all levels and work in government offices.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), flooding occurred in parts of Quezon City, Marikina City, San Juan and Malabon City due to the incessant heavy downpour that began past 5am.

As of 12 noon yesterday, the NDCC said 44 families or 218 persons were displaced by the flooding. The breakdown is as follows: Seven families or 35 persons in San Juan; 23 families or 113 persons from Marikina City; and, 14 families or 70 persons from Malabon City.

The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education declared the suspension of the classes in Metro Manila past 9am.

At 1pm, cancellation of work at government offices also in the capital, except those that need to provide emergency assistance to the calamity, followed.

“The President has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assist in managing the traffic. We will be collaborating with the PNP (Philippine National Police),” military information chief Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo at noon yesterday.

AFP National Capital Region Command chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said six M35 trucks were deployed in Quezon City and Manila City to provide free transportation to commuters stranded in flooded routes.

Three rubber boats were also dispatched to Barangay Hagdang Bato in Mandaluyong City to assist flooded residents, he said.

And for Caloocan City, Dolorfino said an amphibious vehicle and one rubber boat were sent.

“We have no report of an untoward incident as of this time,” NDCC spokesman Dr. Anthony Golez told Camp Aguinaldo reporters at 4pm yesterday.

“So far, heavy downpour and flooding due to Egay were only reported in the National Capital Region,” he added.

“Egay” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday and was moving yesterday westward. Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 was declared in Catanduanes, Cagayan and Isabela provinces.

The national government weather station said residents along coastal areas under signal number one are alerted against big waves and storm surges generated by this typhoon. Likewise, those living in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Typhoon "EGAY" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring rains over Luzon and the Visayas, today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday).

The typhoon is expected to leave the PAR only on Saturday, based on its current movement./DMS