Images and clips of flooding in Metro Manila and nearby areas surprised Filipinos who had never witnessed such flooding in those places before.
Some Filipinos online on Monday, August 17, shared videos and photos documenting the flood situation in parts of the National Capital Region and Rizal, particularly in Antipolo City, amid the heavy downpour.
Residents in these areas experienced torrential rains for much of the day, turning some streets and roads into rivers.
A resident from Quezon City shared that it was the “first time” they had seen the rain garden in their condominium nearly overflow due to the downpour.
“Been living here in Vertis North for two years, and this is the first time I’ve seen the rain garden this close to overflowing. Stay safe and dry, everyone!” a Threads user wrote.
Host-actor and content creator Richard Juan, former “Pinoy Big Brother 737″ housemate,” also commented on how flooding has been “getting worse” whenever it rains in Metro Manila.
“I’ve been living in Manila for 16 years, and it honestly feels like the flooding just keeps getting worse and worse, despite the BILLIONS poured into flood-control projects,” he wrote.
Another online user shared a video of flooding in Antipolo City, which is known for its high elevation.
“Recent reports also confirm flooding in Antipolo today, August 17, amid the ongoing rains. Whatever happened to Antipolo? Nasa taas na kami, pero binabaha pa rin. Paano pa kaya ang mga nasa baba?” the Threads user wrote.
“This is along Sen. L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, San Roque, Antipolo City, in front of PLDT Antipolo and just after WalterMart,” she added.
“Baha sa tapat ng SM Masinag and ang lala ng traffic,” another commented, referring to a shopping mall in Antipolo, particularly along Marcos Highway.
Another online user shared a video showing a flooded portion of EDSA Shaw Boulevard.
“First time to see EDSA Shaw flooded like this! Ano na ba talaga ang nangyari sa flood control?” the Threads user commented.
Others expressed frustration over the situation amid the controversy surrounding flood control projects exposed last year, in which billions of pesos were allegedly misused and mismanaged. The issue involved government officials and contractors.
“Reminder that people who had the CAPACITY, RESOURCE and AUTHORITY to ease the burden of flooding DID NOTHING but PLUNDERED most of the money. I bet your a*s, they are cozy and comfortable in their exclusive villages, unbothered, while the common Juan is battling the floods, stuck in traffic and wet from flood,” a Threads user wrote.
“In case we have forgotten: BILLIONS in non-existent flood control projects, yet here we are. The Philippines is not a poor country; it’s plundered,” Tanya Maria Aguila, founder of Onelife Clinical Pilates and Physical Therapy, also wrote.
Metro Manila and parts of Luzon have been experiencing more than a week of continuous rain due to the effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat), which were enhanced by Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay.
As of Monday, August 17, state weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring a low-pressure area east of Northern Luzon.
Forecast models show that Metro Manila will continue experiencing heavy rains until August 20.
