Gutter-deep flooding submerged portions of Taft and T.M. Kalaw Avenues in Manila on Saturday at noon, July 4, after a sudden downpour that lasted about 30 minutes, disrupting movement along the busy stretch.
Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians were forced to wade through rising floodwaters as heavy rain quickly inundated parts of the roadway, rendering sections difficult to pass.
Intermittent rains continued to affect several areas in the capital, with the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” bringing unstable weather conditions over parts of Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said a tropical cyclone currently outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) may further enhance the monsoon in the coming days.
Weather specialist Obet Badrina said the system, internationally named “Bavi,” could enter PAR by Tuesday or Wednesday (July 7 or 8) and may intensify into a super typhoon.
Authorities advised the public to remain cautious, especially in flood-prone areas, and to monitor official weather updates as rains may persist.