waterways due for dredging & unclogging |
Typhoon Basyang (international name Conson) landed on the Philippine area of responsibility early this week. Being the 2nd typhoon of the year, Basyang brought more winds than rain as winds of up to 95 kph were felt the strongest around Tuesday night till a couple hours past midnight in Metro Manila. Classes were suspended when signal no. 2 was raised by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Marikina City had already rolled out flood-preventive measures. However, the typhoon didn't cause any destructive flooding to the city. Instead, wind-related casualties were brought about. Several tree branches were torn apart and signages were torn down by the winds.
A signage fell down along J. Chanyungco St. (former Oriole St.), in New Marikina Subdivision. Also, a huge tree was uprooted and blocked the road at Father Manalo Street in Barangay Sto. Nino. And even though there was a major power failure Luzon-wide causing an entire day blackout, an electrocution casualty occurred when a man who was believed to be drunk, suffered from third-degree burns when he touched a high-tension wire in Calumpang, San Roque early Wednesday morning.
Prior to typhoon Basyang, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman has already begun implementing flood-preventive measures such as ordering the regular dredging of the Marikina River and unclogging canals and various waterways within the city. There are a predicted total of 20 or more typhoons to hit the Philippines this year and whether or not they may be as destructive as 2009's Typhoon Ondoy, Marikina City is on alert to make all flood-preventive efforts for the rainy season.