Meralco on alert as Tropical Storm Ramil hits Luzon

Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has placed its crews to address power concerns as Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) affects several areas in Luzon.

In a Sunday advisory, Meralco said it is closely monitoring the situation, with 17 areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, and 30 other areas under Signal No. 1.

“Our crews and personnel are strategically positioned and remain on standby 24/7 to address any power-related issues. We urge our customers to prioritize safety and stay alert, especially in areas prone to flooding,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

The company also reminded customers to follow electrical safety measures during floods, including switching off the main power, unplugging all appliances, and ensuring all electrical appliances are dry before use. 

It advised having alicensed electrician inspect systems before restoring power.

Meralco constructs, operates, and maintains electric distribution systems in the cities and municipalities of Bulacan, Cavite, Metro Manila, and Rizal, as well as certain areas in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, and Quezon.

In Quezon City, the local government said it began pre-disaster risk assessments on Friday. Three staging areas have already been prepositioned, and preemptive evacuations were announced in flood-prone areas like Barangay Tatalon. —RF, GMA Integrated News