Disaster Strikes! Philippine Floods Force Mass Evacuations, Hunt for Missing Continues

Torrential rains brought life in the Philippine capital to a standstill on Tuesday, as floodwaters surged through low‑lying communities, forcing mass evacuations and leaving at least two people missing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Schools and government offices in Manila and nearby provinces were shut after an overnight downpour caused the Marikina River to overflow its banks.

More than 23,000 residents living along the river were moved to safety overnight, taking shelter in schools, village halls, and covered courtyards. An additional 25,000 people were evacuated from Quezon and Caloocan cities within the greater Manila area.

“These people mostly live in low‑lying areas near creeks that feed into the river,” explained Wilmer Tan of the Marikina rescue office, noting that the river had swelled to 18 metres (59 feet).

In Caloocan, an elderly woman and her driver were swept away when their car plunged into a swollen creek as they attempted to cross a bridge, said John Paul Nietes, assistant supervisor at the city’s emergency operations centre.

“Their car was recovered last night. The rescue operation is ongoing, but as of now, neither has been found,” he added, expressing hope they might have escaped through a broken window.

By Tuesday morning, floodwaters had begun to recede, but thousands remained unable to return to their homes.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that ongoing monsoon rains have killed at least three people and left seven others missing in the central and southern Philippines since Tropical Storm Wipha skirted the country on Friday.

The Philippines, struck or brushed by about 20 storms or typhoons each year, often sees its poorest communities bear the brunt of such disasters. Experts warn that as the planet warms due to climate change, these storms are growing more intense and destructive.

“This is hard, because if the rain continues, the river will rise again,” said Avelina Lumangtad, a 61‑year‑old street sweeper, standing near a flooded road. “The floods are dangerous.”