DILG tells metro mayors to order evacuation

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday told Metro Manila mayors to order the evacuation of informal settler families living along major waterways in anticipation of heavy rains brought about by tropical cyclone "Ruby," which has weakened from typhoon to storm category.

"We advised metro mayors to take necessary actions," DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said.

As early as Sunday, Metro Manila was declared under public storm warning signal number 1. It was expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall due to Ruby.

Based on the new projected path of the storm, it will cut across heavily populated areas in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite and also affect Metro Manila.

The rise in seawater is estimated to be at 15 millimeters and 30 millimeters, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Low-lying areas and coastal communities will be severely affected and would require evacuation, the DILG said.

The National Risk Reduction and Management Council said that major waterways in Metro Manila such as the Estero de Maypajo, Estero de Sunog Apog, Manggahan Floodway, Pasig River, Maricaban Creek, Tullahan River, Tripa de Gallina, and San Juan River will most likely be affected, especially those in low-lying areas.

To date, city governments have coordinated with the regional DILG office and their local disaster risk reduction and management councils in Manila, Marikina, Malabon, Navotas, Paranaque and Muntinlupa.

Several local government units have also suspended classes for Tuesday, in anticipation of the heavy flooding.