WIDESPREAD flooding has struck across Metro Manila as relentless downpours brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continued to drench the capital region and surrounding provinces.
Hours of heavy rainfall swelled canals, clogged drainage systems, and spilled over riverbanks, turning major thoroughfares into impassable waterways and leaving many residential areas submerged. The deluge has disrupted travel, forced residents to wade through waist-deep waters, and triggered suspensions in classes and government work across several cities.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported rising water levels in key flood-prone areas, with some streets recording floodwaters reaching knee-deep or higher.
Traffic movement slowed to a crawl or ground to a halt entirely in many parts of the metropolis, stranding commuters and motorists for hours. Flood control stations monitored water levels closely, while disaster response teams and rescue units were deployed to assist stranded residents and clear debris from choked waterways. The heavy rains have also raised concerns over the capacity of Metro Manila’s drainage infrastructure to cope with intense, prolonged rainfall.
Authorities have urged the public to remain on high alert, especially those living in low‑lying areas and near river systems such as the Tullahan and Pasig‑Marikina river basins.
Local government units have activated their respective disaster operation centers and are coordinating closely with state weather bureau Pagasa to monitor rainfall intensity and river levels. Residents are advised to heed advisories, prepare for possible evacuations, and avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges, as conditions can worsen rapidly with continued monsoon rains.
metrosundaily
