Bagyong Ondoy..

MANILA, Philippines – As typhoon Ondoy continues to hit Luzon, Metro Manila and nearby areas are currently flooded, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported.

Based on NDCC’s latest situation report, areas in the National Capital Region that are not passable include Malabon (C4 Letre, M.H. Del Pilar, Panghulo Road, Catmon and Dampalit); E. Rodriguez cor. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City; Palasan in Valenzuela; Brgys. 180, 185, 187 in Pasay; Brgy. Santolan in Pasig; Barangay Malanday in Marikina; Brgy. Tunasan in Muntinlupa; and Brgys. Banaba, Sta. Ana, and San Mateo in Rizal.

According to the recent weather bulletin from Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) signal no. 2 remains in Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Northern Quezon, and Polilo Island. While Isabela, Mountain Province, Ifugai, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro provinces, Lubang Island, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, Bataan, Metro Manila and the rest of Quezon are under signal no. 1.

PAGASA added, typhoon Ondoy continues to move with a maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. and is expected to leave the country’s area of responsibility by Monday morning.

The death toll from tropical storm “Ondoy” (international name Ketsana) rose to 86 as of early Monday morning, but may go much higher as authorities verify reports of more deaths caused by the cyclone.

As of 6 a.m., the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) also shifted the focus of its efforts from search-and-rescue to relief work.

“Right now we will concentrate really on providing food and other necessities,” NDCC chairman and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said at the NDCC’s 6 a.m. briefing.

Teodoro said that as of 6 a.m. Monday, NDCC figures showed “Ondoy” had affected 86,313 families or 435,646 people. Of these, 23,126 families or 115,890 people were brought to 204 evacuation centers.

Ondoy struck Luzon on Saturday, bringing epic proportions of floodwater in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. [See: Epic flood in Metro Manila caused by record rainfall]

The death toll rose to at least 86, including seven in Metro Manila, 22 in Central Luzon, and 56 in Southern Luzon. Of the fatalities, five were military personnel trying to rescue residents affected by a landslide in Laguna province.

But Teodoro the 86 does not include 12 reported deaths in Antipolo City, 29 in Quezon City, and 58 in Marikina City. At least 32 people remained missing, he added.

Damage to property was initially reported at P60 million, including P41.1 million in damage to infrastructure, P19.2 million in damage to schools, and P212,000 in damage to agriculture.

Blue alert

Meanwhile, dzBB reported the Department of Health placed all public hospitals placed on blue alert, meaning all medical personnel are to be on duty 24 hours a day.

Also, the DOH had medical personnel prepare anti-tetanus shots.

On the other hand, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said at least 50 of its members in Metro Manila and Luzon were affected in Tanay and the cities of Marikina, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque.

“Baka mag-advance sila ng payment sa future claims namin para makabawi… para makaserbisyo (We hope PhilHealth can advance payments for our future claims so we can continue operating),” PHAP president Rustico Jimenez said on dzBB radio.

Also in Manila, the US Embassy said some of its units would be closed for Monday, including those for visa appointment.

In Pasig City, vendors at the Mutya ng Pasig market had to move their stalls to the nearby church, according to a report by dzBB’s Manny Vargas.

How to donate?

Living outside the Philippines and want a safe and convenient way to send online donations for the victims of typhoon Ondoy? Here’s one way to do it:

The Ateneo Alumni Northeast, Inc. (AANI) in New York, the official Ateneo alumni group in the U.S. Tri-State Region, is now accepting online donations for the victims of tropical storm Ondoy in the Philippines. All donations (minus PayPal fees) will go to Ateneo Task Force Ondoy, the relief efforts at the Ateneo de Manila University, which is now an open shelter for evacuees.

Over 27 provinces in 7 regions, as well as in the National Capital Region (NCR), are now under a state of calamity. Your help is urgently needed.

Donating Relief Goods:

Donation in the form of relief goods may be turned over at the following SMART Wireless Centers:

SM Muntinlupa
SM Bicutan
SM Sucat
Festival Mall,
Ali Mall
Gateway Mall
SM Fairview
SM North Annex
ATC South Mall
SM Megamall

Selected PLDT business offices (locations to be announced) will also be accepting donated relief goods.

Donating to the Red Cross:
SMART subscribers may help victims of typhoon Ondoy by donating to the Philippine National Red Cross via text.

Text RED <10,> to 4483.

For Example: To donate P100, text RED 100 to 4483.

Only the donated amount will be deducted from your current load. No other charges will be applied.

Donate Via SMART Money:

SMART Money account holders can help victims of typhoon Ondoy by donating to the PLDT Smart Foundation Inc. (PSF) Ondoy-Smart Money account.

Text ONDOY to 270.

Or go to your Smart Money menu > purchase > mpay > store code (ONDOY) > pay from > choose card > amount > confirmation (OK) > enter W-Pin.

There are many ways on helping the victims through prayer. Let us donate and pray for the bagyong ondoy victims.