Kristine floods Metro Manila; Classes still suspended

MANILA, Philippines — Torrential rains dumped by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine submerged parts of Metro Manila yesterday.

Classes at all levels in public and private schools in the National Capital Region are still suspended today due to the expected heavy rains caused by Kristine.

In Quezon City, the class suspension was made upon the recommendation of the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Classes are also suspended in all Child Development Centers in the city.

At least 592 families have sought shelter in evacuation centers in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela as heavy rains pounded Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Malabon’s disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) reported floods in Barangays Hulong Duhat, Ibaba, San Agustin, Catmon, Tañong, Maysilo, Panghulo, Tonsuya and Santulan.

Over 100 families from Barangays Longos, Potrero, Tinajeros and Tañong were rescued. They are taking shelter at 10 evacuation centers.

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval visited schools that served as evacuation centers to distribute food packs to affected families.

The food packs contained rice, canned goods, coffee, biscuits and cup noodles as a temporary aid to the evacuees.

In Navotas, the local  DRRMO said Barangays Sipac, Navotas East, NBBS, NBBN, Tanza 1 and Tanza 2 as well as the city hall were flooded.

Navotas reported the highest number of evacuees, with 298 families staying in six evacuation centers in the city.

Portions of Barangays NBBS and Dagat-Dagatan were not passable to light vehicles.

In Valenzuela, 170 families were relocated to six evacuation centers.

Mayor Wes Gatchalian checked the situation of the evacuees.

In Caloocan, 18 families were rescued in Barangay 20 as a preemptive measure.

In Manila, portions of Taft Avenue, from United Nations Avenue to Escoda street in Ermita, were flooded.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna sent a team to Naga City, Camarines Sur to help in rescue efforts.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also monitored floods along Araneta Avenue, Katipunan Avenue and White Plains in Quezon City as well as EDSA-Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong.

In Quezon City, police assisted over 1,000 families who were displaced by the storm.

Data from the city government showed that 1,033 households or 3,887 people were relocated to evacuation centers in Barangays Project 6, Bahay Toro, Sta. Cruz, Del Monte, Damayan, Manresa, Balingsan, Bagong Silangan, Commonwealth, Roxas, Damayan Lagi, Tatalon, Kristong Hari, Doña Imelda, UP Campus, Old Capitol Site, Balon Bato and Apolonio Samson.

Quezon City Police District director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. deployed 262 personnel to flood-hit areas, particularly in La Loma, Masambong, Galas, Payatas and Bagong Silangan.

Police assisted residents who fled their homes.

In Marikina, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro ordered a preemptive evacuation of residents from low-lying areas.

Marikina River’s water level reached first alarm last night.

Bus trips at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange were canceled yesterday due to bad weather.  –  Janvic Mateo, Emmanuel Tupas, Ghio Ong, Christine Boton