Repeated flooding has hit major roads and other areas in San Fernando City, La Union, after days of heavy rain linked to recent cyclones and the strengthening southwest monsoon, or habagat.

The city has seen flooding in several areas since rain brought by tropical cyclones #LuisPH and #MaymayPH and stronger habagat conditions.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1 said the city's small drainage canals could not handle the large volume of rainwater.

“Based on our assessment, masyadong maliit mga drainage talaga, tapos maliit din mga outfall o daluyan,” DPWH Region 1 Maintenance Division chief Engr. Florelyn Fernandez said.

The local government said the rainfall recorded over the past four to five days was equal to about one month's rainfall, causing flooding in low-lying parts of the city.

“According sa mga expert, talagang sobra ang pag-ulan, na-overwhelmed ang ating mga drainage,” Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto said.

Gualberto said the city needs larger, deeper and wider drainage canals to better handle heavy rain.

The local government will study measures to address the flooding problem and prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Ang gusto natin, siyempre, masolusyunan ang pagbaha, ‘yung talagang hindi na tayo babahain,” Gualberto said.