Quezon City target: Zero casualty this rainy season

MANILA, Philippines — Following the official start of the rainy season, the Quezon City government yesterday expressed its readiness to respond to emergencies due to typhoons and the La Niña weather phenomenon that is expected to be experienced later this year.

According to Mayor Joy Belmonte, “zero casualty” remains the city’s target for the upcoming typhoon season.

“Everything that we need is ready for the rainy season and the La Niña that our country will experience,” she said in Filipino.

“All agencies of the local government will play a part to ensure that assistance and services are immediately provided to our QCitizens,” she added.

The local government said the level of response it showed during the recent onslaught of Typhoon Aghon will be maintained throughout the year.

When there is a typhoon, the city said it will automatically activate its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and ensure that all members are on standby.

Its Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor the movement of typhoons, wind strengths and the amount of rainfall in the city.

“Our Urban Search and Rescue team members will also be placed on full alert and ready to respond immediately in case of emergencies,” Belmonte said, adding that these teams are equipped with rescue boats, protective gear, sonar equipment, rescue cans and other life-saving equipment.