Commuters turn to makeshift boats, improvised ‘floaters’ to brave QC floods

The Filipinos' ingenuity was once again put to the test as some residents were forced to either make or take makeshift rafts and boats just to navigate the flooded streets of Metro Manila.

At Barangay Sto. Domingo in Quezon City, residents like Rodel Peñalosa made makeshift boats to help ferry people across its flooded streets.

“Hanggang leeg na yun dito pero lampas tao naman 'yan," he said.

A 40-foot trailer truck managed to cross the flood but the engine shut down shortly after it got past the flood.

“Akala po namin mababa lang [at] kaya ng truck. Malalim pala,” truck driver Jo-an Clemente said.

truck braves the flood in sto. domingo, quezon city. residents say water is around 5 feet high @gmanewsbreaking @gmanews pic.twitter.com/EEnRAmlBVK

— Badet Reyes (@bernadettereyes) July 17, 2018

Several motorists also got stalled on Banawe Street corner Amoranto Street due to the flood.

At Barangay Del Monte, some residents also took a boat ride to be able to report for work. "Ayoko po kasi umabsent sa trabaho kaya nag-bangka na lang ako. No choice,” Aicel Villaluz said.

In other parts of the barangay, children swam in muddy floodwater using makeshift rafts and improvised floaters made from unused refrigerators and styrofoam.

for those looking for alternate route, please avoid caliraya street due to knee-high flood @gmanewsbreaking @gmanews pic.twitter.com/bKaVCIaGom

— Badet Reyes (@bernadettereyes) July 17, 2018

At Barangay Tatalon, some SUVs attempted to cross the flooded Kaliraya Road but ended up turning back.

Lito Ramos, who drove a Nissan Patrol, decided against braving the flood and instead looked for an alternate route.

“Baka pasukin na yun sa may makina kahit na mataas. Ako I don't want to risk it. The best way to go around lang kahit na matagal basta wag lang malubog," he said.

different kinds of trash at colonel moran st in brgy sta cruz qc block the water from flowing back to the creek @gmanewsbreaking @gmanews pic.twitter.com/beWx0UFboz

— Badet Reyes (@bernadettereyes) July 17, 2018

Meanwhile, garbage prevented floodwater from flowing into the San Juan River at Barangay Sta. Cruz.

Plastic bottles, wrappers and styrofoam are some of the most common thrash found in the water. — MDM, GMA News