Flooding worsens in Metro Manila; gov't work, classes suspended for 2nd day

MANILA, Philippines - Worst flooding was seen in Metro Manila on Tuesday morning, forcing the government to suspend work and classes in all levels for the second day since torrential rains spawned by storm-enhanced southwest monsoon started on Sunday.

"In the light of the severe flooding in some parts of Metro Manila and with the Orange Rainfall Advisory, upon both the recommendation of MMDA and PAGASA, the Executive Secretary has ordered the suspension of work in the government offices in Metro Manila today, August 20, except those involved in disaster risk reduction and management," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced through Malacañang's official website.

All local government units in Metro Manila have declared a suspension of classes in all levels on Monday night.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued the Orange Rainfall Advisory at 5 a.m.

It said heavy to intense rains was observed over Metro Manila and portions of Cavite and Rizal and moderate to heavy rains was felt in portions of Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Laguna and Tarlac for the past two hours.

The weather bureau said heavy to intense rains is expected to continue over Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Zambals, Cavite, Bataan, Pampanga and Occidental Mindoro and moderate to heavy rains is expected over Batangas, Laguna, Quezon for the next three hours.

"Flooding is threatening," PAGASA warned.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), meanwhile, reported up to waist-deep floods in several areas around Metro Manila.

In its Twitter account, the MMDA enumerated areas that are flooded as of 7:02 a.m.:

EDSA
Taft
Magallanes
Roxas Avenue
Santolan Service Road northbound
Camp Aguinaldo
Shaw
Ortigas

SOUTHERN Metro Manila

Parañaque
Villamore towards Magallanes
SM Sucat
SSHW Magallanes
Bacalaran-Redemptorist
Pascor Drive
Osmeña - Buendia

MANILA

Rizal Avenue
Osmeña Highway (Quirino, A Linao)
Quirino Highway (L. Guinto)
España Avenue (Antipolo)
M. Dela Fuente corner Maceda
Pureza
Romualdez - Taft