Parts of Metro Manila drenched, flooded as Crising and southwest monsoon bring heavy rains

MANILA — Some areas in Metro Manila experienced continuous heavy rains on Saturday, July 19, as Tropical Storm Crising, with the southwest monsoon, drenched large parts of Luzon.

The downpour began in the early morning hours and led to flooding in several key thoroughfares.

In Manila, areas along Taft Avenue, particularly near United Nations Avenue and San Marcelino Street, as well as Ayala Boulevard, have seen gutter-deep floods, estimated at around 8 inches deep.

While these areas remain passable to all types of vehicles, the floodwaters pose a challenge for motorists.

One delivery rider recounted being stalled for about 20 minutes, waiting for the floodwaters to subside enough to safely pass.

“Dapat dito sa Faura kaso nga lang sobrang baha… kaya nag stay muna ako dito… Kailangan ko hintayin na lang kasi pag sinubukan ko pa baka ako rin mahirapan,” Tirso said.

España Boulevard near Antipolo Street and E. Quintos Sr. Street in Manila also experienced similar gutter-deep flooding, prompting some drivers to take detours to avoid the flood.

Meanwhile, in Quezon City, an area along G. Araneta Avenue reported gutter-deep water past 5 a.m., though vehicles were still able to pass through.

Past 6 a.m., floodwaters on Waling-Waling Street in Roxas District have risen above chest level.

Authorities are advising the public to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and exercise caution when traveling through affected areas.

Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to take necessary precautions.

CRISING MOVING WEST NORTHWEST

According to PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin, Crising was monitored 125 kilometers west northwest of Calayan, Cagayan. 

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near its center and gusts of up to 105 km/h, moving west-northwestward at 25 km/h.

Crising directly affects Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte with stormy conditions and brings rains with gusty winds to Isabela, llocos Sur, La Union, and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The southwest monsoon, intensified by the tropical storm, is the primary cause behind the continuous monsoon rains soaking Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region.

Other areas, including Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and parts of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and MIMAROPA, are experiencing occasional rains.

The rest of the country can expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.