Virtual applause roars for Marikina City evacuation work, modular tents

As different parts of Luzon continue to experience fresh bout of monsoon rains and immense flooding that compels mass evacuation of communities in cities and muncipalities, people strapped on social media found relief amid the gloomy weather seeing Marikina City’s clearing efforts and evacuation centers where affected residents take shelter in neatly lined-up cubicles – the modular tents!

The local government of Marikina said more than 20,000 people or at least 3,000 families temporarily left their homes amid rushing floodwater into their houses, and now take refuge in evacuation sites in the flood-stricken city since Marikina River’s water level reached its peak at 20.6 meters on Saturday night due to non-stop downpour.

In an INQUIRER report, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said it was like déja vu for Marikina residents since they suffered an “Ondoy-like effect” over the weekend with nearly 70 percent of its land area inundated. Typhoon “Ondoy” wreaked havoc in September 2009, leaving more than 700 people dead.

However, on Facebook, Marikina City did not fail to impress with their organized evaucation centers because of the modular tents.

Netizens did not let the heavy downpour dampen their praises where it is due:

Some netizens even urged the government to adopt Marikina City’s effort as a nationwide standard procedure for disaster preparedness.

On Monday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon will still experience rain due to storm-enhanced southwest monsoon.

Earlier, Malacañang urged the public to stay alert in the wake of flooding in the capital region and nearby provinces.    /kga

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