Continuous downpour submerges parts of Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The light to moderate but continuous rain over Metro Manila that started on Friday have managed to flood four areas in the cities of Pasay, Muntinlupa and Mandaluyong, the Flood Control and Information Center (FCIC) of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported Saturday.

According to the FCIC, as of Saturday afternoon, flooding were reported at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Road (formerly MIA Road) in Pasay going to the Coastal Road-northbound at 10:14 a.m. with eight inches of water.

At 10:30 a.m., eight inches of water was reported at the Filinvest Toll Plaza in Muntinlupa. However, flooding in the area subsided by 11:54 a.m.

In Mandaluyong City, 18 inches of rainwater flooded J.P. Rizal Street in Barangay Mabini at 10:30 a.m. while 18 inches of water also swamped the Maysilo Circle area in Barangay Plainview at 10:30 a.m.

According to the MMDA-FCIC, the light rain which was recorded at 18 millimeters, was manageable for the drainage system except for Barangays Mabini and Plainview in Mandaluyong where debris from ongoing roadworks by the Department of Public Works and Highways have blocked drainage inlets.

With floodwater reaching the 18-inch mark, the flooded street turns impassable to light vehicles, the MMDA says. Traffic at the airport area was also observed to have slowed down vehicles because of the continuous rain, the MMDA-FCIC said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA-FCIC added that based on a projection given by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the weather over Metro Manila is expected to improve on Sunday.

The MMDA-FCIC also reported that all of the MMDA’s 51 flood-pumping stations located across Metro Manila are online and operational.