MANILA, Philippines — Several major roads across Metro Manila were flooded on Saturday, August 29, as persistent heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continued to batter the National Capital Region.
What began as scattered flooding in several cities during the morning developed into a wider flood situation by early afternoon, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reporting that some roads had become impassable to certain vehicles — and in a few areas, to all vehicles.
The situation prompted renewed warnings for motorists and commuters as Metro Manila remained under a red rainfall warning, the highest level in PAGASA’s rainfall warning system, indicating that serious flooding is possible in flood-prone communities.
Flooding Hits Major Roads Across Metro Manila
In the MMDA’s earlier update, floodwaters were reported along key roads in Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Manila, Malabon and Quezon City.
Among the affected areas was MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela, where flooding remained below gutter level in several sections and was initially passable to all types of vehicles.
In Mandaluyong, floodwaters along Boni Avenue near F. Ortigas Street reached from gutter-deep to around half-knee level.
Several portions of Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Parañaque were also flooded. While some sections remained passable, the situation was more difficult for smaller vehicles in heavily affected areas, including the vicinity of SM Sucat.
In Las Piñas, knee-deep flooding was reported at Barangay Zapote, or Zapote Junction, making the area unsafe or impassable for light vehicles.
Flooding was also reported along Taft Avenue near Quirino Avenue in Manila, as well as several roads in Malabon and Quezon City. Earlier in the morning, floodwaters at the Quezon Avenue-Araneta Tunnel had already subsided, allowing traffic to resume.
Situation Worsens in Some Areas as Rain Continues
By early afternoon, however, updated MMDA reports showed that the number of affected roads had grown.
In Quezon City, portions of Araneta Avenue and nearby intersections were among the hardest-hit areas, with waist-deep and tire-deep flooding reported in some locations. Certain sections were declared impassable to all types of vehicles.
Other flooded areas were reported along parts of EDSA, Balintawak, Caloocan, Marikina, Pasay, Makati and other major routes across the capital.
The changing list of flooded roads highlights how quickly conditions can deteriorate during intense monsoon rains, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
PAGASA Warns of Serious Flooding Risk
The continued heavy rainfall is being driven by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, which has brought repeated episodes of intense rain to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon in recent weeks.
PAGASA’s red rainfall warning means residents in vulnerable areas should remain alert for serious flooding and possible rain-related emergencies.
Motorists are being urged to avoid flooded roads whenever possible and not to force vehicles through deep or rapidly rising floodwaters. Road conditions can change within minutes as rainfall intensifies.
Metro Manila Faces Another Test From Relentless Habagat Rains
The latest flooding comes after weeks of repeated monsoon-related flooding across Metro Manila, putting renewed pressure on drainage systems, roads and public transportation.
Earlier this month, the MMDA said some floodwaters in affected areas had subsided relatively quickly after rainfall stopped. But authorities have also stressed that intense and prolonged downpours can overwhelm drainage systems and cause dangerous flooding in a short period.
As rains continue, residents are advised to monitor official updates from PAGASA, the MMDA and their respective local government units for the latest weather warnings, flooded roads and possible traffic disruptions.
For commuters and motorists, the message is clear: check conditions before heading out — because the road that is passable now may not remain that way as the Habagat continues to pour over Metro Manila.
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