Manila, Philippines – Intense rainfall battered Metro Manila and nearby areas, resulting in flooding in some of the major thoroughfares in the metropolis, on Friday and Saturday.
Based on its 24-hour rainfall monitoring, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather observer Nelson Goli said the amount of rainfall reached 154.8 millimeters between 8 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. yesterday.
This amount of rainfall, which is more than one-fourth the total average rainfall in August, is considered “intense,” said Goli.
The amount of accumulated rainfall may still be lower than the 455 mm rainfall dumped by tropical storm “Ondoy” in 2009 but weather forecasters warned that the monsoon rains may continue into midweek that may trigger more flooding and landslides over parts of Luzon and Visayas.
A low pressure area north of Batanes and a tropical cyclone off the Pacific Ocean with international name “Conson” are enhancing the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” that has been dumping rains over areas facing the West Philippine Sea.
The LPA, which is already a tropical depression according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, has already left the country’s area of responsibility before noon yesterday, while Conson continues to move to the north or away from the Philippines, but both weather systems continue to induce monsoon rains.
The southwest monsoon will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the Metro Manila, Cavite, Bataan, Zambales, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and La Union. PAGASA warned residents in these areas against possible floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rains with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon.
La Mesa Dam in Quezon City has been placed on red alert at noon yesterday as its water level reached 79.62 meters, short of 0.53 meters from its spilling level of 80.15 meters.
Dam authorities have alerted residents living on the Tullahan River of possible flooding. Communities that may likely be affected by flooding are Fairview, Forest Hills, Quirino Highway, Papri, Goodwill, Sta. Quiteria, and San Bartolome in Quezon City, Barangay Ligon on the North Luzon Expressway in Valenzuela City, and Malabon City. (Ellalyn B. De Vera)