UNBOTHERED. Children continue to play in Baseco compound in Tondo on Wednesday (Nov. 11, 2020) despite rains brought by Typhoon Ulysses. Storm Signal No. 3 is hoisted in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. (Photo by Mannix)
MANILA – Residents of Baseco compound facing Manila Bay seem unbothered despite Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 hoisted in Metro Manila and nearby regions due to Typhoon Ulysses.
“Malakas din ang hangin at me ulan pero hindi naman totally nakakatakot. Okay lang naman yun (The wind is now getting strong and rains but it is not totally frightening. Nothing to worry),” said Manilyn Macasero, who has sari-sari store near the seaside.
Children seem unmindful of the upcoming typhoon as they continue to play outside while enjoying the rains and splash of the waves hitting the sea wall.
“Hindi naman kami natatakot, nasanay na. Pag lumalakas kasi tumitigil din naman siya (We are not afraid, we’re used to it. Even if it (wind) is strong, it eventually stops),” said Maria Liza Espinosa, a fishball vendor.
Based on the latest weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Typhoon Ulysses has further intensified while heading towards the Quezon-Aurora area.
Heavy to intense, with at times torrential rains, will be experienced over Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan.
“Ulysses" packs maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph. while moving westward at 20 kph.
Manila city government suspended classes at all levels both in public and private schools until Thursday.
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) with the help of some barangay officials has conducted pre-emptive evacuation in low lying area, including some barangays in Baseco, Tondo.
Residents from Smokey Mountain have also been evacuated by the MDRRMO.
The MDRRMO has also ordered the removal of all bill boards and signages.
Vegetable vendor Rebecca Serapia has decided to loan her vegetables so that she can go home early.
“Pauwi na kami. Matumal po, pinautang lang namin tinda naming gulay para me masingil kami bukas, wala kaming ibibili ng bigas pag hindi nagtinda. Kahit me bagyo tuloy ang trabaho para me makain araw araw (We are now going home. Sales are slow and we only loaned our vegetables so that tomorrow at least we can get their payment. We won’t have any money to buy rice if we don’t work. Even if there’s a storm, we have to work so we can buy something to eat),” Serapia said. (PNA)
