Bebeng causes blackouts in Bicol, Metro Manila

Tropical storm Bebeng (international name Aere) has caused a province-wide blackout in Camarines Sur as well as power outages in Metro Manila. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Camarines Sur experienced a total blackout, while Marinduque experienced a "province-wide power interruption." On the other hand, Albay and Catanduanes have an "on-and-off" or intermittent power supply, the NDRRMC said. While Bebeng did not directly hit Metro Manila, the storm caused power interruptions in several areas there since Sunday night. Manila Electric Co.'s Tess Adriano said they had sent repair crews to affected areas, which includes Manila and Quezon, Navotas and Caloocan Cities. "Dahil sa Tropical Storm 'Bebeng' may naidulot ang problema sa ating linya. May ibang naputulan ng linya, isa-isa nating tsine-check," she said in an interview on dzBB radio. Adriano said power interruptions were reported as early as 6:00 p.m. Sunday until early Monday. Most of the power interruptions happened at around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, affecting areas in Manila's Tondo district. The other affected areas included Navotas City and Grace Park in Caloocan; as well as the Ermita, Quiapo and San Miguel areas in Manila. However, Adriano said there have been no reported outages or interruptions that may affect the Light and Metro Rail Transit (LRT/MRT) systems. "So far walang nai-report sa amin," she said. A report by dzBB's Glen Juego said many residents were forced to use candles before dawn Monday, particularly in homes along Mindanao and Visayas Avenues and Tandang Sora in Quezon City. Typhoon victims The NDRRMC said the death toll due to typhoon Bebeng remained at nine as of Monday morning. The typhoon also has affected 21,274 families (or 111,368 people). At least 9,327 people, 250 trucks, 107 cars, 92 buses, 26 vessels and 27 motor bancas were stranded in Quezon, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Catanduanes, Iloilo, and Northern and Western Samar. Disaster management officials in Cagayan Valley are conducting preparations for possible flash floods and landslides. The Department of Social Welfare and Development teams worked with disaster response officials in the region to prepare relief items. Emergency response groups were also alerted in Cordillera. Meanwhile, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecaster Jun Galang said "Bebeng" is enhancing the southwest monsoon, which brings rains to Metro Manila. "Sa Metro Manila medyo magiging maulan pa tayo dahil na-enhance ng bagyong si 'Bebeng' habang paalis ang southwest monsoon na nagbibigay ng panakanakang pagulan sa Metro Manila," he said in a separate interview on dzBB. - VVP, GMA News