Malacañang tells public to stay alert as 961 areas hit by flooding

MALACAÑANG ON Sunday reminded the public to “stay alert and safe” amid flooding and heavy rains in various parts of the country, especially in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon. “Sa mga lugar na nakakaranas pa rin ng pagbaha, hinihikayat po namin kayo na manatili sa mga evacuation centers na inihanda ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan [For those in areas that are still flooded, we urge you to stay in the evacuation centers designated by the local government units],” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a statement on Sunday, Aug. 12. Citing data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Mr. Roque said 961 areas were reported to have experienced flooding. These are in Regions I (Ilocos), III (Central Luzon), CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, VI (Western Visayas), X (Northern Luzon), Cordillera Autonomous Region, and the National Capital Region. — Arjay L. Balinbin