The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Sunday that it is on high alert and prepared to address any power outages and electricity service issues that may occur due to Typhoon Aghon (international name: Ewiniar).
In a statement issued on May 26, Meralco’s vice president and head of corporate communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said their staff is on standby to handle any emergencies that might impact their facilities in the areas likely to be affected by the storm.
“As a 24–hour service company, we are ready to respond to these types of emergency. Our crews are on standby to attend to any trouble that may affect our facilities in areas that may be hit by the storm,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 2 and 1 have been raised in several areas in Luzon, including Aurora and parts of CALABARZON, where residents are warned of minor to moderate threats to life and property from the winds.
PAGASA also alerted residents in mountainous regions about the risk of flooding and rain-induced landslides due to heavy rainfall.
To lessen the impact of the weather disturbance, Meralco has issued advisories on appropriate precautionary measures and has informed billboard owners about potential strong winds that could affect electrical facilities.
The electric company noted that billboards falling onto electrical facilities are one of the causes of power outages.
“Meralco has consistently requested billboard owners and operators to temporarily roll their billboards up to prevent these structures from being toppled by the strong winds,” Zaldarriaga said.
In the event of flooding, Zaldarriaga advised customers to follow safety precautions such as turning off the main electrical power switch, avoiding contact with electrical appliances when hands are wet, and unplugging appliances from wall sockets.
He also encouraged the public to keep communication channels open and ensure essential devices like mobile phones, laptops, and radios are charged.
During power interruptions, customers can stay informed by tuning in to public service radio stations for updates.
To report power outages or other issues, customers can contact Meralco through its social media pages, official website, hotline (1622 and 8631-1111), or via text message (0920-971-6211 and 0917-551-6211). (TCSP)
