As of 12 noon of September 19, 2014, a total of 1,762 families in the Municipalities of San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal Province had been evacuated as a pre-emptive measure to the possible effects of Typhoon Mario that include incidents of flooding and landslide.

Based on the monitoring of the Quick Response Team of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region IV-A, the said families are now staying in  at least 8 evacuation centers in the said localities.

A total of 1,550 food packs and 130 boxes of noodles were already sent by the Department for distribution to the said affected families in coordination with their respective local government units.

Based on the report of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Storm “Mario” made landfall over the northern tip of Cagayan before noon (Sept 19) and maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour.

The report also added that the combined effect of TS Mario and the southwest monsoon or “habagat” will bring moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, including the Calabarzon Region, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

According to Ms Mylah S. Gatchalian, OIC Asst Regional Director for administration of DSWD Field Office IV-A, aside from San Mateo and Rodriguez, the municipality of San Pedro (Laguna Province) is also affected by Typhoon Mario.  Other localities, especially those surrounding the Laguna Lake are expected to experience flooding also.  The office is currently conducting continuous monitoring and coordination with the local disaster risk reduction management councils and local social welfare and development offices of the affected areas.***