Monsoon rains enhanced by Fabian cause flooding in several provinces

Heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Fabian triggered flooding in several provinces in the country.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, the monsoon rains caused knee-high floods in Marilao, Bulacan that resulted in heavy traffic.

A river in Bulakan, Bulacan also overflowed due to the heavy downpour. Several motorists were also stranded.

In Castillejos, Zambales, over 15 families temporarily sought shelter in evacuation centers.

The inclement weather also caused almost zero visibility in Lipa, Batangas.

In Pikit, Cotabato, 26 barangays have been flooded for more than a week due to back-to-back downpours.

PAGASA earlier said Typhoon Fabian maintained its strength as it continued to move westward.

In its 5 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said the center of the eye of Fabian was located 655 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes at 4 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 185 kph, and central pressure of 960 hPa. It is moving westward at 10 kph. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News