29 mishaps reported during downpour

MANILA, Philippines - More than 29 road accidents were reported in Metro Manila during Wednesday’s heavy downpour, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino advised motorists not to drive during a heavy downpour as there is zero visibility, which could cause road mishaps. “Wait until the rain stops,” he said.

He said the MMDA expects heavy downpours to hit Metro Manila over the weekend and suggested that people go home before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m.

The downpour last Wednesday was caused by a localized thunderstorm that swamped some parts of Quezon City and Manila.

The MMDA yesterday positioned 200 personnel from the agency’s anti-flood units, mobile pumps and vacuum suction trucks in areas identified as likely to be flooded.

Some parts of EDSA’s northbound lanes were flooded, particularly the area near Camp Aguinaldo – which quickly reached at least two feet deep –  as heavy rain poured between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Also flooded during the downpour were EDSA-Ortigas Avenue, C-5 Road-Ortigas Avenue, C-5 Road near Tiendesitas and España Boulevard in Manila.

Tolentino said the MMDA also readied five military M35 trucks to ferry commuters trapped in flooded areas along España Boulevard and EDSA.

Tolentino identified the following as “crucial areas:” Santolan, Megamall, Tiendesitas, España, Katipunan, Osmeña Highway and Skyway-Buendia.

He said the swift rise of floodwaters was caused by a huge volume of rain dumped by the localized thunderstorm, clogged or already narrow drainage systems and climate change.