Thousands evacuated as monsoons flood Metro

MANILA, Philippines — The enhanced southwest monsoon caused flooding in several parts of Metro Manila yesterday, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.

In Quezon City, 351 families or 884 people were evacuated in seven barangays.

The affected residents were staying in nine evacuation centers in the city.

Most of them – 151 families or 494 people – were staying at the evacuation center in Barangay Bagong Silangan in District 2.

Other affected barangays include Sta. Cruz in District 1, Bagumbayan in District 3, Doña Imelda and Roxas in District 4 and Gulod and Sta. Lucia in District 5.

The city government has mobilized personnel to respond to the effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon.

In Marikina, 342 families or 1,961 people took shelter in evacuation centers.

Pasig also reported flooding, particularly in Barangay Dela Paz.

Three evacuation centers in two Pasig barangays were open, sheltering 101 families or 320 people, according to the city government.

In Malabon, 20 areas were flooded.

Valenzuela also recorded flooding in several areas, although major portions of MacArthur Highway were passable to all types of vehicles.

The San Juan River remained at the alarm level, with water reaching 12.84 meters at 12:20 p.m. yesterday.

Mayor Francis Zamora said 27 evacuation centers were on standby, including the Pinaglabanan Elementary School.

In Muntinlupa, 31 families or 132 people were evacuated.

Parañaque also reported floods in parts of San Dionisio, San Isidro, BF Homes, San Antonio and Sun Valley. The flooding subsided in the afternoon.

Las Piñas said major roads, including Zapote Junction, were passable to all types of vehicles.

Public warned vs leptospirosis

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to take precautions against leptospirosis.

The DOH reminded the public to seek medical consultation after exposure to floodwaters. — Janvic Mateo, Christine Boton