Philippines Gears up for Heavy Rains, Floods
(MENAFN) The Philippines is preparing for heavy rains as two low-pressure areas are likely to develop into tropical depressions within the next 24 hours, the state weather agency PAGASA announced Tuesday.
PAGASA cautioned that the persistent southwest monsoon will continue to unleash intense rain and thunderstorms across the country, heightening the risks of flooding, landslides, and other serious weather hazards.
On Tuesday, Metro Manila and nearby provinces remain under PAGASA’s highest rainfall alert— a "red" warning—signaling the expectation of "serious" flooding in certain locations.
In response to the severe downpour, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered a halt to work in government offices and the suspension of classes at all levels on Tuesday in Metro Manila and multiple provinces.
Floodwaters reaching knee level have forced commuters in Metro Manila to wade through waterlogged streets seeking transportation, while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads to get home. Government vehicles are actively assisting those stranded.
Social media has been flooded with images and videos from Monday night showing evacuations and debris drifting through flooded neighborhoods.
The ongoing bad weather has already caused fatalities.
According to a situational update released Tuesday morning by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 362,465 families—or 1,266,322 individuals—have been affected nationwide by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Wipha.
Though Typhoon Wipha left the Philippines on Saturday, its impact combined with the intensified monsoon has triggered widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in six deaths, five injuries, and six people reported missing, the NDRRMC confirmed.
Damage reports include over 1,500 homes affected and disruptions to 173 road segments and 11 bridges throughout the archipelago.
Agricultural losses have been estimated at more than 54 million pesos (approximately 947,000 U.S. dollars), the agency added.
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