The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has urged shopping mall operators across Luzon to open their parking facilities to the public as temporary safe parking areas in anticipation of the effects of Typhoon Inday.
In a memorandum dated July 9, MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes requested malls to offer free overnight parking starting Thursday evening until the typhoon has passed.
Artes cited forecasts of strong winds and heavy rainfall that could affect Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.
Participating establishments include SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, Vista Malls, Filinvest Malls, Festival Mall, Fora Mall, Main Square, Westgate, Bloc 10, and South Station.
The MMDA advised motorists to follow the parking guidelines of each mall and monitor official announcements from participating establishments.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 11 am bulletin that Inday, internationally known as Bavi, had slightly weakened while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea.
As of 10 am, the typhoon was located 865 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 205 kph. It was moving northwestward at 15 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remained in effect over Batanes.
Signal No. 1 was also raised over parts of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, and Catanduanes as authorities continued to monitor the typhoon’s movement.