Philippines monsoon floods Metro Manila

Heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding across Luzon, severely impacting Metro Manila and provinces. The southwest monsoon, "Habagat," intensified by low-pressure areas, brought torrential rainfall. Floodwaters submerged homes and inundated roads, rendering many impassable and disrupting daily life.Metro Manila experienced severe flooding, with areas reporting waist-deep water. Floodwaters entered public transportation, stranding motorists and commuters. PAGASA recorded 201.7 millimeters of rain in Quezon City over hours, with 138.7 millimeters falling within two hours—a volume equivalent to a week's average rainfall.Schools and government offices closed across Metro Manila and fourteen provinces for multiple days. Authorities warned residents of continuing floods and potential landslides in western Luzon. Over 766,000 people in Calabarzon affected, thousands seeking refuge in evacuation centers. Tragically, seven people died in Rizal and Batangas provinces due to weather-related incidents; one person remains missing.President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed agencies to ensure swift response and prioritize resident safety, including providing free rides in Metro Manila and continuing relief and medical assistance. Experts attribute the flooding's severity to extreme rainfall, limited flood-control and drainage systems, and persistent garbage problems. Rapid rainfall overwhelmed infrastructure not designed for intense downpours. The government is strengthening flood mitigation.