MANILA, Philippines – The city of Manila is considering to turn its so-called University Belt into a “no-walk zone” due to Typhoon Lando (Koppu), the city’s disaster chief said Sunday, October 18.

In a phone interview with Rappler, Manila disaster chief Johnny Yu said the city government might implement this once floodwaters rise along the University Belt.

The University Belt includes Adamson University, Arellano University, Centro Escolar University, Far Eastern University, FEATI University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manuel L Quezon University, Mapua Institute of Technology, National University, University of the East, University of Manila, and the University of Santo Tomas.

At around 2 pm on Sunday, the Manila city government already turned the Manila Bay area into a “no-walk zone” as well due to Lando.

Referring to Manila Bay, Yu said, “Talagang malakas ang alon.” (The waves are really strong.)

Forced evacuation, too

Yu said the city government is avoiding a repeat of the incident in September 2011, when a storm surge triggered by Typhoon Pedring (Nesat) flooded the Sofitel hotel along Manila Bay. 

He said the Manila Police District, reinforced by barangay officials, is implementing the “no-walk zone” policy.

Aside from designating “no-walk zones,” the Manila city government is also ordering the forced evacuation of residents in coastal areas.

Yu said at least 19 families from Barangay 101 in Manila have already evacuated. 

The city government is still convincing those from Baseco and Isla Puting Bato to do the same. “Naghihintayan pa sila eh,” Yu said. (They’re still waiting for each other.)

He added, “Ang panawagan ko lang po ay huwag matigas ang ulo.” (My only appeal is for people not to be hard-headed.)

Typhoon Lando continued its slow march through Northern Luzon on Sunday, and is expected to linger over Luzon for most of the coming week. At least 10 provinces remained under public storm signal number 3.

In Marikina, Alert Level 2 has been hoisted in areas along the Marikina River as the river’s water level reached the 15-meter mark. – Rappler.com