'Santi' causes floods, brownouts in Metro Manila, Luzon

Typhoon Santi (Mirinae) caused floods and massive power outages as it charged through parts of Metro Manila and southern Luzon Saturday morning. Parts of Manila, including España Avenue in Sampaloc and parts of Taft Avenue were swamped with floodwaters early Saturday after incessant rains from the typhoon. In San Juan City, dzBB’s Sam Nielsen reported that floodwaters neared knee-high in Salapan village. Meanwhile, the strong winds brought by Santi has caused massive brownouts in parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila. In Quezon province, where Santi made landfall Friday evening, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported that power went out as early as 11 p.m. Parts of Bicol were also without power, with the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reporting that Camarines experienced heavy rains and power outages since 8:45 p.m. Friday. A separate report on dzRH radio said the Light Rail Transit suspended operations due to power outages effective 7 a.m. as well. [See: 'Santi' disrupts LRT-1 operations] Passengers, many of them trying to get a ride to cemeteries for All Saints’ Day, were forced to take buses and jeeps instead. The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) gave the public two cell phone numbers to send in their reports or complaints through text messages. These are 0920-9292824 and 0917-5592824. “Binabaha ng tawag ang call center namin (Our call centers are swamped)," Meralco External Communications Manager Joe Zaldarriaga said on dzBB radio, referring to their 16211 hotline. He said the power outages were mainly due to winds from Santi affecting Meralco’s power lines. But the power outage in some parts of southern Metro Manila was due to five Meralco posts toppled by winds. The toppled posts at the corner of Buendia and Taft Avenue Extension caused heavy traffic. In Pasig City, dzRH radio reported power outages at the Manggahan area, with floodwaters reaching to the thighs. Power was also out in many areas of eastern Rizal province. - GMANews.TV