Isko sends disaster response team to Cebu to aid in clearing ops, giving water

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has ordered the deployment of a team from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to Cebu City to assist in the response operations following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

A 16-man team of the MDRRMO was deployed to help in the clearing operations and in providing potable water to affected residents. MDRRMO director Arnel Angeles said the team members arrived in Cebu City in three batches on December 22, 23, and 24.

Twelve of the members of the MDRRMO were assigned in the clearing operations of debris and fallen trees caused by the storm while four were in charge of the water purification robots that were brought by the team.

“Tumutulong po kami sa pag-clearing ng debris. Wala po kaming dalang relief goods pero may dala po kaming Water Filtration Machine po. Kasi po ang dala natin eh heavy equipment po at saka po mga tools. Land base saw, cutting machines, ‘yun po ang mga dala natin,” Angeles said in a press release.

“Sa buong Cebu City po kami ngayon naka-concentrate itong linggo po na 'to. Iba-iba lang pong barangay pero Cebu City po lahat at ako ang tumatayong team leader,” he said.

He added that a water tanker was also mobilized to provide water to Cebu City residents whose water supply remained problematic more than a week after Odette hit the central and southern Philippines.

The team also brought one fire truck and rescue truck, according to Angeles. He added that a “Kaagapay Tanker Transporter 3,” which can be used as a storage for their diesel and gas, water, and generator sets, was also brought to Cebu City.

He said some of the MDRRMO personnel would remain in Cebu City to continue extending assistance to those who are still in need. Since the team started their operations, they have provided assistance to more than 1,000 Cebuanos particularly those who are in need of water.

Angeles said half of the team may leave Cebu City for Lapu-Lapu City to also help in the clearing operations there.

“Baka po sa December 27 mag Lapu-Lapu City na po ‘yung kalahati. Malaki po ang Cebu province kasi nanggaling po kami ng Carcar kaya may tubig pa po doon. Tapos ‘yung clearing naman, nakapag-clearing na rin po sa national highway kaya dito na po kami nag focus sa buong city ng Cebu dahil marami pa pong hindi madaanan na daan,” Angeles said.

Cebu province is among the areas badly hit by Odette.—Anna Felicia Bajo/AOL, GMA News