Expect suspended flights during inclement weather

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) are all geared up for the possible onslaught of Super Typhoon Mawar, which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday.

MMDA Acting Chairman and concurrent MMDRRMC Chairperson Atty. Don Artes assured that there is close and prompt coordination among concerned government agencies and Metro Manila local government units.

“MMDRRMC members shall monitor round-the-clock weather updates and situations, while disaster response units will monitor potential flooding in flood prone areas and waterways,” said Artes.

On standby for deployment, Artes said, is MMDA’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, composed of 20 rescuers trained in water search and rescue operations. Rescuers are equipped with life vests, wet suits, boats, and water rescue helmets when rescuing disaster victims. They also have rescue cans, throw ropes, and life buoys to aid in rescuing victims on the water.

Artes said they have already identified critical areas in coordination with the Metro Manila LGUs for the possible mobilization of personnel and assets in case of flooding.

Artes also met today with MMDRRMC heads of member agencies and local disaster risk reduction and management council officers during a pre-disaster assessment meeting to tackle the preparedness measures in response to the southwest monsoon or Habagat enhanced by Super Typhoon “Mawar.”

Suspended flights during inclement weather

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co appealed for the understanding and cooperation of the air riding public when flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are temporarily put on hold due to inclement weather conditions and lightning strikes.

In cases where necessary, the MIAA Airport Ground Operations and Safety Division (AGOSD) will issue a Lightning Red Alert, leading to the temporary suspension of all flight and ground operations at NAIA until the alert is lowered to a Lightning Yellow Alert, indicating the resumption of flight operations.

The practice of suspending ramp movement for both aircraft and ground personnel during a Lightning Red Alert has been in effect since 2012.

“We kindly ask for the cooperation and understanding of every passenger when ramp operations are suspended for safety reasons during a Lightning Red Alert,” said Co.

“While aircraft at NAIA are protected from lightning strikes through the presence of lightning arresters, these alerts primarily prioritize the safety of people on the ground, which is of paramount importance for us as an airport operator,” Co emphasized.

“While we have a duty to keep flights safe, we are also duty-bound to protect the lives of airport personnel while they are at work, especially those working in areas where exposure to environmental hazards is higher,” said Co. By Edd Reyes and Jun Legaspi