By P. Antolin
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Benhur Abalos suggested to deploye water purification teams from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on instructions of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the flood and landslide-hit areas in Davao and Caraga.
With the earlier report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) where 1.12 million people were affected by massive flooding and landslides caused by the trough of a low-pressure area in Davao and Caraga.
The NDRRMC was also verifying reports that the number of fatalities has increased to 18, with 11 injured and three missing.
Abalos emphasized the importance of access to clean water during emergencies and suggested to President Marcos to dispatch the MMDA purification teams in affected areas.
He said “I just called up the MMDA and they are more than willing to send their teams here to help our LGUs (local government units)”.
Abalos said, noting that 80 portable water purification machines will be sent by MMDA on Thursday to help the flood victims.
One unit of a mobile water purifying machine can convert 180 gallons of potable water per hour which the affected residents could use for their daily needs such as washing, cooking, drinking, and cleaning.
Abalos added the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection have also deployed their respective teams to assist the victims.
This, as Abalos lauded the local chief executives for their prompt response and for carrying out the critical actions listed in the department’s “Operation Listo” disaster preparedness manual that helped mitigate the impact of the flooding, to which President Marcos agreed.
