Goring floods Metro; classes, work suspended

MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon enhanced by Super Typhoon Goring brought intermittent heavy rains to parts of Metro Manila yesterday.

Public and private school classes at all levels were suspended in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and Manila yesterday.

The local governments of Caloocan and Valenzuela also suspended work.

An orange rainfall warning, which means intense rainfall that could lead to flooding, was issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Flooding along major roads was reported on Pedro Gil, Quirino Avenue, the intersection of España Boulevard and Lacson, Pureza-Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, V. Mapa street, Kalaw and España, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

J. Nolasco Street and Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo were also flooded, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna conducted an ocular inspection of flooded areas.

The MPD, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau as well as the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office offered free rides to stranded passengers.

Tankers from the city government’s engineering unit helped drain and pump out floodwaters.

In Quezon City, flooding on major roads was reported along E. Rodriguez, Araneta and Quezon Avenues, as well as Baloy, Ma. Clara and D. Tuazon streets.

Meanwhile, the Marikina River’s water level reached 15.7 meters, prompting the city government to prepare for evacuation of residents.

The Philippine National Railways delayed some of its trips due to flooding.

The Pasig River Ferry Service suspended its operations yesterday.

The Philippine Red Cross deployed rescue teams to aid stranded people. –  Mark Ernest Villeza, Emmanuel Tupas