MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Typhoon Glenda’s strong winds battered areas near Manila Bay Wednesday morning, July 16, uprooting trees and some temporary shelters and forcing about 1,600 residents to flee their homes.

As of 8 am, the typhoon’s eye was already in Manila Bay, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. 

Francis Tolentino, head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), led teams from the police, military and the MMDA in putting up sandbags on the seawall in anticipation of any storm surge.

But as of 11 am Wednesday, things began to normalize in the city.

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada said the city’s streets are “generally passable” except in Kalaw Avenue, parts of Roxas Boulevard, and some streets in Intramuros.

Estrada noticed not much flooding in the city, adding they have not received any reports of casualties.

Tolentino said some informal settlers living on Roxas Boulevard were relocated early Wednesday.

The MMDA has deployed more than 600 people in Metro Manila to help manage the situation.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard have also been making the rounds to check for casualties or injuries.

Residents from low-lying areas such as Baseco have voluntarily relocated to safer grounds. Baseco residents are in 3 evacuation centers, according to Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. Residents from Puting Bato and Parola were brought to 2 other evacuation centers, he added.

See other affected areas in Metro Manila in this photo essay below.

 – Rappler.com

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