Palace suspends gov’t work, classes today in Metro, 9 provinces
THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday that rains triggered by the southwest monsoon or habagat may persist over the next three days.
PAGASA announced in its 5:00 p.m. weather bulletin that it is also closely monitoring two other low-pressure areas in Calayan, Cagayan and southeastern Luzon that have already entered the Philippine area of responsibility.
The weather bureau said Metro Manila remains under a heavier rainfall outlook estimated between 100 to 200 millimeters, as well as the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal.
Rains measuring 50 to 100 mm, meanwhile, are expected over Pangasinan, Tarlac, Laguna, Quezon and Occidental Mindoro.
Malacañang has ordered the suspension of government work and classes in all levels in Metro Manila and nine surrounding provinces today as heavy rains continued to pound Metro Manila and cause multiple street floods.
Memorandum Circular No. 88, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, covered Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan provinces.
Exempted from the work stoppage are agencies involved in the delivery of basic health services, disaster response, and other vital functions. Personnel of these agencies were directed to continue operations and provide necessary services to the people.
The executive order left the suspension of work in the private sector to the discretion of their respective managers.
Flooding in Metro Manila
Meanwhile, yesterday’s rains caused widespread flooding in Metro Manila. In Makati City, floods were reported as early as 10 a.m. along Magallanes, Pasong Tamo and Ayala areas where water reached knee-deep but still passable for all types of vehicles.
In Mandaluyong City, the EDSA Shaw Boulevard Underpass was also flooded, but remained passable. The MMDA noted that the MRT-7 Batasan construction partly blocked water flow, contributing to flooding in the area.
In Manila, several areas likewise went underwater by mid-morning, particularly Taft Ave. and connecting side streets, along with parts of Roxas Blvd., Pablo Ocampo Ave., Quirino Ave., UN Ave. and Tayuman in Sta. Cruz district. However, these areas remained passable for all types of vehicles.
In Pasay City, Andrews Avenue-Tramo was also slightly flooded, but safe to navigate.
Similar situations unfolded in Parañaque City, notably at the intersection of MIA Road and Coastal Road.
‘Crising’ damage on infra up at P600-m
Damage to infrastructure in the Western Visayas and Negros regions caused by Crising and the enhanced habagat reached close to P600 million, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The cost of damage was broken down as P195.52 on national roads, P9.04 million on bridges, and P322.25 million on flood control structures in Regions 6 and the Negros Island Region.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said with the continues onslaught of the monsoon rains, the damage to national roads, bridges and flood control structures would reach P600 million.
He said several national road sections remain impassable, including Kennon Road, Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, due to soil erosion, while three have limited access.
Other roads still closed still closed to traffic were the Apayao (Calanasan)-Ilocos Norte Road, Tanglagan, Calanasan, Apayao; Claveria-Calanasan-Flora-Lasam Road, Barangay Ninoy, Calanasan, Apayao, and Liloy-Siocon Road, Tubongon, Baliguian, in Zamboanga del Norte, due to a landslide.
