MMDA: Over 500 flood incidents reported in Metro Manila amid downpour

More than 500 flood incidents were reported in Metro Manila in the last 24 hours amid the heavy downpour brought about by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the trough of the low pressure area (LPA), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Tuesday.

MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said as of 11 a.m., the number of flood incidents dipped from 500 to 273, with floodwater levels varying on the affected areas.

“Sa buong Kamaynilaan within 24 hours ay mahigit 500 po ang naging pagbaha, incidents ng pagbaha sa iba’t ibang areas,” Artes told a palace briefing.

(Throughout Metro Manila within 24 hours, there were more than 500 flooding incidents in various areas.)

“As of 11 a.m. naman po, nabawasan na rin po ito ng up to 273 na lamang. Iba-iba po ang degree ng lalim ng tubig, mayroong gutter deep at mayroon din naman pong malalalim. Mahigit 200 naman na po iyong humupa o nawalan na ng tubig,” he added.

(As of 11 a.m., it went down to 273. The water levels are varying on the affected areas.  Floodwaters subsided in over 200 areas.)

State weather bureau PAGASA earlier said heavy rains will continue to drench parts of the country due to the habagat and the trough of the LPA. The downpour has caused widespread flooding, heavy traffic, and floating debris in some areas in Metro Manila.

The MMDA recently issued an advisory on the affected roads.

“Tayo po ay nag-prepare at walang tigil sa pagtatrabaho para ma-ensure po na handa ang ahensiya na tumugon sa hamon na dala po nitong hangin at ulan,” said Artes.

(We are preparing to ensure the MMDA is ready to face challenges brought about by the rains and wind.)

“Mayroon po tayong 500 personnel, six buses, two military trucks, two rubber boats at four aluminum boats at mahigit 500 personnel po na rescue personnel na nakaantabay at ready for deployment,” he said.

(We have 500 personnel, 6 buses, 2 military trucks, 2 rubber boats, 4 aluminum boats and over 500 rescue personnel that are ready for deployment.)

Personnel of the MMDA are set to conduct preemptive evacuation of flood-stricken residents in Malabon City, Artes added.

Artes also said the MMDA is coordinating with the Department of Transportation for its free ride service to passangers affected by the heavy rains. The agency is also conducting declogging activities in parts of Metro Manila to ease the floods. — BAP, GMA Integrated News