A pumping station built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Paco, Manila was not spared by the strong winds and heavy rains from Super Typhoon Uwan which also forced thousands of residents near the Manila Bay to evacuate.
According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” a floodgate at the pumping station was damaged during the height of the storm.
The Metro Manila Development Authority said the damage may have been caused by the volume from the Pasig River, which reached over 12 meters around 10 p.m. on Sunday.
An investigation is currently in progress.
Meanwhile, several houses were damaged by powerful waves from Manila Bay in Baseco, Manila.
Residents sought assistance to recover from the devastation, while barangay officials searched for possible relocation sites.
Seven makeshift houses were heavily damaged, while five were partially damaged.
A house was not only damaged but also carried a kilometer from its original location by the water.
“Nagsalubong ko po kasi alon dito eh. Sumampa rin po sa bubong namin ng ganyan. May kasama ng bato at buhangin. Wala po kami choice kundi ayusin. Wala naman po kami perang alon para makalipat ng maayos-ayos na bahay,” resident Morena Bonos said.
(The waves hit our area and even reached up to the roof, carrying stones and sand. We have no choice but to try to fix what we can. We don’t have the money to move into a proper house.)
Residents worked together to clear the road after tall waves went over the seawall and scattered sand and stones.
A fisherman attempted to salvage his boat after it was carried away.
According to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, some 3,370 families, or over 10,000 individuals, took shelter in evacuation centers, but some have begun to return to their homes.
However, rescuers have to convince some residents to evacuate on Sunday night.
Fisherfolk are still unable to fish due to the big waves, while passengers are stranded in the North Port as sea travel remains suspended.
Some of them were stranded since November 6 and 7. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
