Typhoon Glenda and Preparedness

I find it a little strange how people can celebrate escalating winds and storm signals just to have work suspended or canceled. I appreciate holiday from work and would likely do cartwheels every time I get some bit of separation from it, but not at the cost of dangerous weather forecasts since a degree of risk, whether to us or other people, is always attached to it. PAGASA is always scrutinized being a work in progress (aren’t we all) but shouldn’t we all be silently praying that the storm changes direction and never hit any part of the country? Or do we just find satisfaction in proving someone wrong?

PAGASA reports that Typhoon Glenda as of 12pm today is at 40km northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar.

PAGASA advised the public to prepare and take pre-cautionary measures.

PAGASA urges public to constantly monitor weather updates.

PASAGA expects typhoon Glenda to intensify further with likelihood to raise storm signals to Signal #3.

Check Typhoon Preparedness Advisory from time to time.

Below are some practical preparedness tips we sometimes overlook, time to double check:

Keep all your mobile phones, laptops, and other communication means fully charged.

Disseminate information on weather and warning advisory to your family members, friends and colleagues. Check on them and ask them to go home already soonest possible time.

Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare food that need not be cooked.

Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.

Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.

Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, water, among others.

Typhoon Glenda is expected to hit Metro Manila this afternoon.

[Read more…]

Classes in All Levels and Government Offices Suspended Tuesday August 7, 2012 and TIPS for EMERGENCY

Classes in ALL levels (yes, including college) suspended. Government offices suspended work except those who provide basic services during calamities like this.  Our company also suspended work due to severe weather conditions and massive flooding.

Weather and Flood Updates:

As per PAGASA observed data (Science Garden:222.6 mm in 9hrs; Port Area:154 mm in 9 hrs)

During the passage of Ondoy: PAGASA Science Garden station(QC) measured 341 mm of rainfall in just a span of 6 hrs

Red warning signal was issued at 4:30 for Metro Manila. It means more than 30mm of rain in the next 2hours. Expect heavy flooding in low lying areas, response should be evacuation.

As of 1:00 AM, Marikina River water level is 17 meters now on 3rd alert. Force evacuation is implemented. #mmda

As of 6:50am, highway in Tarlac passable.

Streets near Quezon City Hall not passable.

Flood in North Fairview, waist deep.

Raining heavily again in San Juan.

Marikina River, 3rd Alarm

La Mesa Dam water continues to rise.

Obando, Bulacan FLOODED for more than 1 week

As of 7:08 AM, August 7, 2012, Tuesday:

8 Gate in Manggahan Floodway, OPENED

Some baranggay in BF Homes FLOODED, NECK-DEEP

18 Baranggays in Cavite, FLOODED

CAMANAVA area, WAIST DEEP FLOOD

Maceda and Tayuman in Manila, not passable.

Mandalay and Tumana, Forced evacuation.

Balintawak Exit, not passable.

San Mateo River, 2nd Alarm.  Forced evacuation.

Pampanga, Pangasinan, Laguna, Cavite, Tarlac, Batangas, NO classes in ALL LEVELS (including COLLEGE)

FLOOD around Manila City Hall, KNEE-DEEP

As of 7:20 AM

Twitter Updates: DOLE Sec. Rosalina Baldoz: Work in PRIVATE offices in NCR are suspended.

As of 7:40 AM

DOLE Sec. Baldoz CONFIRMS on LIVE interview on UKG that she has NO AUTHORITY to SUSPEND WORK in private offices and companies.  Private companies still has the DISCRETION / DECISION on suspension.

UKG has announcement billboard for work suspension in private companies (but to be verified by employees on their own through a number given).  For your own safety, just miss work today whether there’s suspension or not.

As of 10 AM

Malacanang has announced suspension of work in private companies in NCR.

TIPS:  START PACKING AN EMERGENCY BAG

SOME SURVIVAL TIPS: 

1. Stock on food at home, car, office and in your bag.  No one knows how long this climate will last or when a state of emergency happens.  It’s always better to be armed with necessary stocks at home like:

Food

Bread -gives the carbo load you need in replacement of rice.  Rice still has to be cooked.

Biscuits/cookies –alternative to bread, sugar helps relieve pangs of hunger

Candies –the sugar will help ease acidity in case there are more eminent task at hand than eating

Canned goods (like corned beef, Vienna sausage, tuna, pork and beans, chili con carne, corn) –not easily perishable and ready to eat

Instant Noodles –are also ready to eat although it’s best enjoyed cooked.  Snack on the noodles like crackers.

Bottled water

Carbonated drinks/Coffee

Items

Flashlight and Batteries

Thick Blanket/Comforters/Mattress Covers/Pillows

Jacket/Sweaters/Socks/Caps/Rain Boots

Radio and Batteries

Umbrella/Tents/Mono Block Chairs

Towels

Knife, Candles, Matches, Plastic Wares, Plastic Utensils, Napkins, Plastic Bags

Empty plastic bottles

Lifesavers/Old Tires/Styrofoam

Big Pails

Slippers

Antiseptic/First Aid Kits/Medicine bags

**If possible, keep all items in one area or fit everything in one “EMERGENCY BAG,” so it’s easy to locate and grab.

2. Unplug all appliances (particularly on the first floor) and keep a watchful eye on refrigerator and electricity outlets.

3. Always have extra cash handy.  ATMs might not be available or accessible.

4. Improvised flotation device can be made out of empty Coke/Pepsi/C2/Juice/Water plastic bottles.  Just securely tie the plastic bottles together (4-10) and it can work as a flotation device.

5. If possible, CHARGE all equipment necessary, emergency light, mobile phones (for communication), etc. 

EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS TO CALL:

ABS-CBN Hotline 0928-5078592

[Read more…]

Typhoon MEGI Expected to Hit Philippines Tonight

 

As of the PAGASA’s Press Conference at 530PM today, October 15, 2010:

Typhoon MEGI is expected to enter Philippines’ area of responsibility tonight.

 

Typhoon MEGI will reach the Extreme Northern Luzon by Monday afternoon.   Landfall expected around the same time.

 

Typhoon MEGI has maximum winds of 120 kph with gusts of 150 kph.

PAGASA advised the PUBLIC to prepare and take pre-cautionary measures.

PAGASA urges public to constantly monitor weather updates.

PASAGA expects typhoon MEGI to intensity further.

For weather updates: http://www.twitter.com/dost_pagasa

For the latest news: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Some safety/survival tips:

 

1. Stock on food at home, car, office and in your bag.  No one knows how long this climate will last or when a state of emergency happens.  It’s always better to be armed with necessary stocks at home like:

 

Food

Bread -gives the carbo load you need in replacement of rice.  Rice still has to be cooked.

Biscuits/cookies –alternative to bread, sugar helps relieve pangs of hunger

Candies –the sugar will help ease acidity in case there are more eminent task at hand than eating

Canned goods (like corned beef, Vienna sausage, tuna, pork and beans, chili con carne, corn) –not easily perishable and ready to eat

Instant Noodles –are also ready to eat although it’s best enjoyed cooked.  Snack on the noodles like crackers.

Bottled water

Carbonated drinks/Coffee

Items

Flashlight and Batteries

Thick Blanket/Comforters/Mattress Covers/Pillows

Jacket/Sweaters/Socks/Caps/Rain Boots

Radio and Batteries

Umbrella/Tents/Mono Block Chairs

Towels

Knife, Candles, Matches, Plastic Wares, Plastic Utensils, Napkins, Plastic Bags

Empty plastic bottles

Lifesavers/Old Tires/Styrofoam

Big Pails

Slippers

Antiseptic/First Aid Kits/Medicine bags

**If possible, keep all items in one area or fit everything in one “EMERGENCY BAG,” so it’s easy to locate and grab.

2. Unplug all appliances (particularly on the first floor) and keep a watchful eye on refrigerator and electricity outlets.

3. Always have extra cash handy.  ATMs might not be available or accessible.

4. Improvised flotation device can be made out of empty Coke/Pepsi/C2/Juice/Water plastic bottles.  Just securely tie the plastic bottles together (4-10) and it can work as a flotation device.

5. If possible, charge all equipment necessary, emergency light, mobile phones (for communication), etc. 

 

Typhoon Ondoy: Helping Hand

 

Last Saturday, the backyard experienced half-a-foot of floodwater due to overflow of water and clogging of drainage.  My sister’s room, which was on the first floor had ankle-deep water.  We only found out when we opened her room.  She was stranded overnight in UST with other students, slept on the floor as food for the mosquitoes, exceedingly hungry and exhausted.  My dad got stranded overnight also in his office with water up to the 6th flight of the stairs.  His car got flooded to the roof.  A digicam and 2 phones busted.  We were lucky.

 

Yesterday, Bubba and I left the office early to buy and pack relief goods.  Extremely long lines in the cashier indicate that a lot of people are buying to donate and/or “panic-buying” for stock goods (since PAGASA expects another typhoon to hit Manila tomorrow, Wednesday).

 

It felt good to be there despite the chaos and sort out what donations are needed, primarily food like bread, biscuits and canned goods, and secondary like toothbrush, alcohol, etc.  This is one of the few times, I really wish I were rich -more money to spare means more money to provide for others.

 

 

Overhead the mom and daughter tandem in front of us bought items for donation amounting to quite a huge amount and never bothered to sign the slip –it is most heartwarming when people help in private, anonymously.  Silent in lending a hand.  Politicians can probably do the same. 

 

Not giving aid for the sake of the flashbulbs.

 

 

Note: If you’re shopping in Unimart, LSGH (La Salle Greenhills) has a donation drop-off point in the grocery area handled by students.  You can drop off donations there right after shopping or order directly from the admin (if it’s in big bulks) and just present the item sales slip to the cashier.  Any amount of donation and effort helps.

 

 

A lot of inspiring act of humanity and spirit of bayanihan seen during the calamity, both regular people and celebrities alike.

 

 

Blessed enough to be spared by Typhoon Ondoy, let’s HELP Donate!

 

 

 

List of Donation Centers and Assistance Centers

Google Compiled List of Donation Centers and Rental of Rubber Boat

 

**** This website is open for any public service announcements. 

Email betweenbites@gmail.com ***********

 

 

 

 

Survival Tips- Tyhpoon Ondoy and Other State of Emergency/Calamity

 

UPDATE: Sept. 29, 2009

 

List of Donation Centers and Assistance Centers

Google Compiled List of Donation Centers and Rental of Rubber Boat

 

08:34 AM – Restoration of electricity and water services to take at least a week.

08:40 AM – DepEd: Classes in NCR suspended until Wednesday

09:11 AM – Singapore/Japan Give Aid to RP

09:12 AM – 240 killed in the wake of Ondoy

09:21 AM- Napocor to release water from Angat Dam at 10am today -pre-release of water as precautionary measure of leveling the water (standard amount) since PAGASA expects a typhoon to hit Manila.

Angat Dam to release water: affected are Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit.

 

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UPDATE: Sept. 28, 2009

 

12:30 PM – Number coding scheme suspended for one whole week.

1:25 PM – (RP from AdeMagnaye ) Red Cross Shaw has run out of donations. Nothing to repackage. For donations, text 0917 5370265, they can pick up.

1:30 PM – Rolio Golez confirms that SMS circulating regarding opening Marikina dam is not true.  There’s no Marikina dam.

1:50 PM – 5 Cainta subdivisions still in need of relief operations.

2:06 PM – Death toll reaches 100. 

2:06 PM – China donates $10,000 to Red Cross to help victims of Ondoy.

2:09 PM – Accdg to Jun Guidote, water continue to rise in Laguna due to high tide.  Relief operations ongoing in Laguna.

 

————————–

 

The wrath of Typhoon Ondoy devastated Metro Manila and its nearby provinces like Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga among others.

 

Hurricane Katrina was at 350 millimeters rainfall while Typhoon Ondoy at 412 millimeters.  The continuous downpour of 9 hours submerged most parts of the Metro including Marikina and Valenzuela.  9 hours!  Can you imagine?  Another manifestation of climate change that is really unnerving.  The documentaries on Nat Geo about Earth not surviving another million years haunt one. 

 

Image Source: Archiemedes Sy

Image Source: Archiemedes Sy

 

My officemate Karen just told me she saw in the news a dog trying to piggy back on a man’s back but the man shoved him off for survival.  Both are trying to survive.  How heart wrenching.

 

No one expected that in a matter of few hours, certain areas would be submerged in floodwater.  Big houses are not spared.  Celebrities and politicians weren’t either. 

 

Some survival tips:

 

1. Stock on food at home, car, office and in your bag.  No one knows how long this climate will last or when a state of emergency happens.  It’s always better to be armed with necessary stocks at home like:

 

Food

 

Bread -gives the carbo load you need in replacement of rice.  Rice still has to be cooked.

Biscuits/cookies –alternative to bread, sugar helps relieve pangs of hunger

Candies –the sugar will help ease acidity in case there are more eminent task at hand than eating

Canned goods (like corned beef, Vienna sausage, tuna, pork and beans, chili con carne, corn) –not easily perishable and ready to eat

Instant Noodles –are also ready to eat although it’s best enjoyed cooked.  Snack on the noodles like crackers.

Bottled water

Carbonated drinks/Coffee

 

Items

 

Flashlight and Batteries

Thick Blanket/Comforters/Mattress Covers/Pillows

Jacket/Sweaters/Socks/Caps/Rain Boots

Radio and Batteries

Umbrella/Tents/Mono Block Chairs

Towels

Knife, Candles, Matches, Plastic Wares, Plastic Utensils, Napkins, Plastic Bags

Empty plastic bottles

Lifesavers/Old Tires/Styrofoam

Big Pails

Slippers

Antiseptic/First Aid Kits/Medicine bags

 

**If possible, keep all items in one area or fit everything in one “EMERGENCY BAG,” so it’s easy to locate and grab.

 

2. Unplug all appliances (particularly on the first floor) and keep a watchful eye on refrigerator and electricity outlets.

3. Always have extra cash handy.  ATMs might not be available or accessible.

4. Improvised flotation device can be made out of empty Coke/Pepsi/C2/Juice/Water plastic bottles.  Just securely tie the plastic bottles together (4-10) and it can work as a flotation device.

5. If possible, charge all equipment necessary, emergency light, mobile phones (for communication), etc. 

 

** UPDATE ** There are enough volunteers in Sagip Kapamilya of ABS-CBN, more donations are needed like cooked rice, bread, boiled eggs, etc.  Kindly bring donations to Sagip Kapamilya at #13 Examiner St. QC.