Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 12) — Approximately 1.2 million households in Metro Manila and nearby provinces being serviced by Meralco do not have electricity due to the impact of Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco), the company’s spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said on Thursday night.
Zaldarriaga told CNN Philippines’ Rico Hizon the power utility company is doing its best to restore electricity in those households, the bulk of which are in Metro Manila. Restoration activities are also underway in other affected homes in nearby provinces like Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite.
“We are slowly improving in terms of the restoration of the areas affected,” said Zaldarriaga.
Despite the strong winds and heavy rainfall brought by Ulysses, the Meralco spokesperson noted the restoration efforts were faster this time as around 2.6 million households got their power back today. Meralco reported in a briefing on Thursday noon that some 3.8 million customers were hit by power outages.
Zaldarriaga added it may take some time for their personnel to restore power in areas that are submerged in floodwater since the winds and rains dumped by Ulysses affected their facilities.
“Let’s wait for the floodwater to subside and we will immediately take action in restoring power in those areas,” said Zaldarriaga.
Typhoon Ulysses is now over the West Philippine Sea, but it is still forecast to continue to bring heavy rains and strong winds in several areas in Luzon and the Visayas.
