MMDA taps CCTV system for flood watch

Aside from helping cops catch criminals, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's closed-circuit television system now has an added job: early detection of floods in the Metropolis. MMDA General Manager Roberto Nacianceno said Friday they beefed up their CCTV system so they can alert officials in the threatened villages to take early action. “Nagdagdag kami ng CCTV para makikita agad ang mga kinauukulan sa binabahang lugar and panganib. Ang barangay captain, sila ang nandoon sa area. Kapag ang baha singtaas na ng gutter, most likely inlet ang barado. Sa gayon, malilinis kaagad nila sa barangay level pa lamang (We added our CCTV equipment so we can monitor flood-prone areas and detect floods early. We can then alert village officials to take action before the floods grow worse)," Nacianceno said in an interview on dzBB radio. The tapping of the CCTV system, which was initially set up to deter crime, was the latest initiative by authorities to prepare for the rainy season and the opening of classes on June 15. Citing reports from his office, Nacianceno said floods usually occur when inlets of drainage systems are clogged. On the other hand, he reiterated the MMDA’s appeal to residents not to clog drainage systems with their habit of throwing garbage anywhere. “Ang basura sa pumping station marami pa rin (We still get so much garbage in pumping stations)," he said. Cops, PCG preparedness The Northern Police District (NPD) is also keeping closer watch on flood-prone areas in Metro Manila. Radio dzBB’s Manny Vargas reported NPD head Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. issued the order to all police chiefs in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela Cities. Pagdilao said police in these areas must be ready at all times to conduct search and rescue operations during floods. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on 'double' heightened alert for the opening of schools and for possible typhoons, even as it has been on heightened alert to maintain maritime safety. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said they anticipate an influx of maritime travelers due to school opening, with seaports and ships likely to be crowded. “Seaports and passenger vessels are expected to be crowded or to reach full passenger capacity levels. Coinciding with the school opening is the onset of the rainy/typhoon season," the Coast Guard said in its website. Tamayo directed all 10 Coast Guard districts around the country to ensure the strict observance to safety and security measures by ship owners, operators, masters, and related agencies. Among these measures are safe and orderly conduct of embarkation of passengers and loading of cargo strictly within the vessel’s authorized capacity, including advising passengers to board the vessel at least two hours prior departure and providing ample cut off time for inspection by PCG boarding teams. He also ordered them to ensure the complete and good operating condition of lifesaving devices, communications, and firefighting equipment on board; proper cargo stowage, and ship stability and trim; adequate and proper cargo lashing on board vessels; and good operating condition of vessels’ main and auxiliary machinery and engines. Tamayo likewise ordered strict security screening of passengers, and their hand carry/check-in baggage and cargo, and making sure passengers are not allowed to carry deadly weapons including unauthorized firearms, and other prohibited items. Also, he ordered the availability of periodic and latest weather forecasts from PAGASA, and strict observance and compliance with the PCG-issued Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather. Violations of maritime rules and guidelines can be reported to the PCG via text at 0917-PCGDOTC (09177243682). Tamayo ordered prompt reporting to the PCG of maritime incidents or imminent danger to include engine breakdowns or derangement at sea. On the other hand, Coast Guard Districts under “PCG Oplan Kahandaan" shall likewise activate passenger/commuter assistance “Help Desks" in strategic ports. — LBG, GMANews.TV