Typhoon triggers flooding in Metro Manila, Bulacan as some residents seek rescue
'Red' warning for capital, surrounding provinces signifies potential for serious flooding
Manila: Heavy rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon (locally known as Habagat) inundated parts of Metro Manila on Wednesday (July 24) and neighbouring Bulacan province, prompting flooding and evacuations.
The Marikina River reached its third alarm level, forcing residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.
A number of social media users in the capital have shared images of their flood experiences on Wednesday, even as some sought help from rescuers.
Typhoon Carina has intensified as it moved towards the country's north.
Rescue
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), meanwhile, deployed rescue teams to assist those affected, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported severe flooding in major roads.
PCG teams rescued 1,356 individuals and coordinated with local authorities to ensure safety during the rainy season.
The national weather bureau issued a “Red” rainfall warning for Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR), signifying the potential for serious flooding.
Government offices and schools were suspended as a precautionary measure.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions.
Rescue 161, an emergency service of Marikina (one of the component cities of Metro Manila) reported the water level hit 18.3 metres by 10:30 am Wednesday, triggering forced evacuations for nearby residents.
Alerts were issued earlier at 5:30 am (15 metres) and 6:45 am (16 metres).
In Bulacan, a residents posted on Twitter seeking help as the floodwaters came rushing in.
Impassable
Major roads were reportedly impassable – with some areas experiencing flooding up to one-story high. Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro pre-positioned rescue personnel and evacuation centres since Tuesday.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed resources to assist flooded areas, focusing on humanitarian aid.
The MMDA also suspended the expanded "number coding" (road congestion-easing scheme) following government directives suspending work and classes in Metro Manila.
Update from the Pagasa weather bureau:
Red warning level: Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac.
Associated hazard: Serious FLOODING in flood-prone areas.
Yellow warning level: Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Nueva Ecija and Quezon(General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Mauban, Sampaloc).
"Meanwhile, light to moderate with occasional heavy rains affecting Quezon(Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, Sariaya, Tiaong, Tayabas, Lucban, Lucena, Pagbilao, Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Buenavista, Burdeos, Calauag, Catanauan, General Luna, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Jomalig, Lopez, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Perez, Pitogo, Plaridel, Polillo, Quezon, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso, Tagkawayan, Unisan) which may persist within 3 hours."
The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices concerned are advised to monitor the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued at 5:00 PM today.