Manila: Forty barangays (villages) in this city have experienced flooding as rains from the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name Noul) affected parts of the area Friday. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) urged barangays, particularly those in coastal areas, to conduct preemptive evacuations as light to moderate rains, at times heavy, were expected.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a virtual press conference, the CDRRMO said that as of 2 p.m., Molo district was the most affected with 12 flooded barangays. Other affected areas included La Paz with eight barangays; City Proper and Mandurriao with six each; Jaro and Lapuz with three each; and Arevalo with two. The office reported that 109 families or 435 individuals are staying in six evacuation centers in Barangays Calubihan, San Vicente, San Antonio, Infante, Don Esteban, and Ticud.

CDRRMO officer Donna Magno stated that the preemptive evacuation recommendation was discussed during the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA), with barangays serving as the first responders in their respective areas. 'Our barangays, through their district DRRM council, also conducted their own PDRA. So instructions were given to them, the forecasts and the hazards they are facing. We also talked about their preparations,' Magno said.

Local DRRM Officer III Sharry Ledesma mentioned that the City Social Welfare and Development Office has activated its camp management teams in seven districts, with personnel and vehicles on standby and relief supplies prepositioned. The available supplies include 2,000 family food packs, 1,691 family food boxes from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas, 19,555 kilograms of rice, 47,356 assorted canned goods, bottled water, nonfood items, and hygiene kits.

'We continue to urge the public to continue monitoring for updates,' Magno said. As of 1 p.m., Kiyapo was over the coastal waters of Calayan, Cagayan, according to the weather bureau.