Manila estero families to be relocated after deadly tree fall —NHA

Forty families living along Estero de Magdalena in Recto Avenue, Manila where a huge tree collapsed on Thursday claiming three lives, will be relocated to  safer grounds, according to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras.

“Hopefully po ma-relocate sila sa mga housing units that are already available. Iyong mga victim po bibigyan namin ng 10,000 pesos each,” National Housing Authority general manager Joeben Tai said.

The families affected by the tree fall are staying in temporary shelters.  They will be immediately transferred to housing facilities in Cavite and Rizal once available.

“Maging wake-up call po ito sa amin at sa kanila na ‘di po safe tumira sa ating mga estero,” Tai added.

He said even those living along Manila creeks, such as Estero de San Lazaro, will also be relocated.

“Ang isang problema lang po may mga kababayan po tayo na binebenta o pinapaupahan ang bahay na binigay ng gobyerno tapos later on babalik po kung saan manggagaling,” Tai said.

However, several residents said it is difficult to be uprooted as there are no sure jobs in relocation sites.

“Kung lilipat ka doon wala ka naman trabaho, nganga. Pagtitiyagaan ko ‘yon kahit na malayo ‘yung lugar ‘yung pamilya ko doon dito na ako sa Maynila mangupahan na lang ako,” a resident said.

On Thursday, three died, including a two-year-old, while several were injured after a huge tree collapsed on houses along Estero de Magdalena due to heavy rains.

According to the Manila government, residents in the area have been waiting for relocation for a long time. But authorities said the pandemic delayed plans to move the residents out of the danger zone.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has already assigned the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to investigate the incident.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News