Landslide destroys house in Olongapo City

Metro Manila remained under water on Wednesday afternoon as heavy rainfall continued to batter the region, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The persistent downpours were attributed to the enhanced southwest monsoon, or “habagat.” The MMDA reported that several key areas were still submerged, though some had begun to drain. In Valenzuela City, roads near Brgy. Dalandanan on MacArthur Highway were partially flooded, with water reaching up to four to five inches. Similarly, along MacArthur Highway corner T. Santiago St. (Jollibee), the water level was comparable. In Mandaluyong City, both Brgy. Hagdan Bato Libis, Shaw Blvd. Cor. Acacia Lane, and Brgy. Hagdan Bato Libis, Shaw Blvd. Cor. L Cruz faced similar conditions. Meanwhile, the area around Barangay Highway Hills, Pioneer Cor. Sheridan, was also affected. However, the stretch of F. Ortigas St. corner of Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong had already started to dry out. The MMDA’s update came just hours after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a weather advisory confirming that Metro Manila would continue to receive heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters on Wednesday afternoon. This forecast aligned with reports of ongoing deluges across Luzon, which had led to class suspensions in multiple regions. Schools in areas such as Benguet, Pangasinan, and Pampanga saw in-person instruction halted due to the adverse weather. The impact of the monsoon extended beyond urban centers. On Thursday, a landslide blocked a provincial road in San Marcelino, Zambales, disrupting travel in the area. Local authorities swiftly responded, ordering immediate clearing operations to restore access. The incident highlighted the broader challenges posed by the prolonged rainy season, which has persisted since early August. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), over 3.7 million people have been affected by the habagat and associated tropical cyclones, including Luis and Maymay. The death toll from these weather-related incidents has reached 26, according to police reports. These figures underscore the severity of the current weather pattern and its widespread consequences. Scientific studies suggest that the intensity of habagat rains is influenced by factors such as the presence of tropical cyclones and the movement of moisture-rich air masses. A recent analysis noted that extreme rainfall events are more likely when a cyclone northeast of the Philippines interacts with strengthened monsoon winds and a vast moisture conveyor belt spanning from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. This phenomenon has contributed to the ongoing deluge affecting much of Luzon. The weather system is expected to continue influencing the region through at least mid-August. Pagasa forecasts indicate that the southwest monsoon will maintain its grip over most of Luzon, with fair weather conditions limited to parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. In addition, the agency warned that heavy rains will persist over Luzon on Monday, August 17, impacting areas such as Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Schools in numerous locations across the country have been forced to suspend classes again, with the latest round of closures announced for Monday, August 17. In Calabarzon, Batangas, Cavite, and Central Luzon, among others, educational institutions have opted for remote learning to ensure student safety. The list of affected areas includes cities such as Calamba, Tagaytay, and San Jose del Monte, reflecting the broad reach of the monsoon’s impact.