Blue Alert raised in Metro Manila amid Inday preps

Blue Alert raised in Metro Manila amid Inday preps Metro Manila has been placed under a Blue Alert status amid the possible threats from Typhoon Inday, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). This prompted the OCD to open its virtual emergency operation center for proper coordination with other government agencies online. The physical emergency operation center, meanwhile, is expected to open tomorrow or Saturday. OCD has said that some emergency response equipment has been prepositioned in various locations across the country. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier said that its 73 flood pumping stations are operational as it monitors 100 flood-prone areas identified by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). According to PAGASA's 5 am advisory, Inday has weakened into a typhoon as it continues to move west northwestward. Signal No. 1 is hoisted over 12 areas: - Batanes - Cagayan including Babuyan Islands - Isabela - the northeastern portion of Quirino (Maddela) - Apayao - the northern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lagayan, Danglas, San Juan, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Lacub, Daguioman, Dolores, La Paz) - Kalinga - the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis) - the eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista) - Ilocos Norte - the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran) - the northern and central portions of Catanduanes (Pandan, Caramoran, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto, Baras, San Miguel) Typhoon Inday is forecast to move northwestward while remaining over the Philippine Sea and may pass closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Friday evening and Saturday morning then move toward the southern islands of Japan and may make landfall or pass close over the northern coast of Taiwan. The state weather bureau said Inday will then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday and make landfall over the eastern coast of mainland China by Sunday, July 12, 2026. —VAL, GMA News