(Updated 2:50pm). Command posts. Rescue. Rubber boats & trucks needed. There are enough valiant and brave rescue personnel, not enough safe transport. 

Update 2:50pm (from inquirer.net). You may get in touch with the “rescue command post” nearest you, if you or anyone you know, need/ needs assistance. See list below:  

“MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has set up six advanced command posts across Metro Manila to expedite the rescue operations in affected areas.

 “These are:

 “1. MMDA Edsa Timog Base

Commander Ryan Castaneda 0947-8193135 and 0932-8447413

AOR: Whole QC

 “2. MMDA Aurora Katipunan Base

Commander: Eduard Gonzales 0917-5875458

AOR: Pasig, Marikina

 “3. Malabon City Hall

Commander: Ed Avan 09065129676

AOR; Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela

 “4. South Base

ACP: MMDA Base Alabang Viaduct near Metropolis

Commander: Dir. Alex Umagat 0918-9486017

AOR: Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Las Pinas

 “5. Gwapotel, Roxas Boulevard (near DPWH bldg)

Commander: Dir. Amante Salvador 09228102355

AOR: Manila

 “6. Central base at thge MMDA Flood Control Information Center

Commander; Dir. Lydia Domingo 09163975798

AOR: San Juan, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, Makati

Rescue operations on-going. Government does not have enough equipment. Corporations, organizations, construction companies, that have six-by-six trucks, rubber boats, etc., are being asked to lend their  equipment to the NDRRMC. Lives can still be saved.

[Actually, in a life-and-death  emergency,  of  apocalyptic  proportions, e.g., if there were an Ondoy-like flooding,  if thousands were being swept by strong currents,  and would certainly drown or would be buried alive if not rescued, the government, upon just compensation to the parties concerned, could legally use the nearest private resources if it were the only way to save those lives… but only in those dire circumstances. That situation is not upon us and hopefully will never be. There is time. Voluntary assistance can save the day —  and, in the long-term, having enough comfortable and habitable evacuation centers with provisions and toilets for preemptive evacuation, enough rescue equipment,  trained personnel, and a disaster-prepared populace.]

    To be fair, PAGASA (the weather bureau), local government units, and media organizations, gave us a three-to-four hour heads-up. GMA News announced the red warning a few minutes after the PAGASA tweet, ABS-CBN cast the widest net of field reporters 24 hours ago and had a non-stop coverage since then. Good job by these organizations. 

      We learned.

(Preemptive evacuation, a little better than those of previous floodings; can still be improved with completion of the Noah Project and construction of  more habitable evacuation centers. Rescue operations — another matter. Strategic, long-term relocation, another matter.)