Preparations decreased casualties of Typhoon Mario
After experiencing typhoon Ondoy in 2009, people learned their lesson.
Tony Baldoza, Marikina City Hall Public Information Office Assistant, said that the people were more prepared this year than when typhoon Ondoy struck the country.
“The city officials were working in 8-hour shift during the typhoon,” said Baldoza. “There was a fulltime monitoring on the water level and flood level since Sept. 18,” she added.
Baldoza added that people are now informed on what to do during these times.
“Once the water level in Marikina river rose to 18m, people who live near the river are automatically and voluntarily going to the evacuation centers” said Baldoza in vernacular.
In Marikina City alone, there were more than 36 thousand individuals who were staying at 39 evacuation centers as of Sept. 20. A total of 161, 807 individuals were brought to evacuation centers nationwide.
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By Sept. 22, people in Marikina City’s evacuation centers have returned to their home, said Philip Robredillo, Marikina City Settlement Officer.
However, despite the preparedness of the people and safety measures, the typhoon left a total of 144 million peso worth of agricultural and infrastructural damage nationwide. It also left 11 people dead, 12 injured, and two missing. In Marikina, one body was found in an open manhole. ###
