Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte visits families staying at the Barangay Bagong Silangan Evacuation Center amid flooding in the area. (Photo courtesy of the Quezon City government)
At least 5,428 residents in Quezon City were evacuated as heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” triggered severe flooding in several communities.
The Quezon City government said 1,509 families from 18 barangays were staying in designated evacuation sites as of 5:32 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10.
The evacuees came from Project 6, San Antonio, Katipunan, Sta. Cruz, Damayan, and Del Monte in District 1; Bagong Silangan and Payatas in District 2; Bagumbayan in District 3; Tatalon, Doña Imelda, and Roxas in District 4; Gulod, Sta. Lucia, San Bartolome, and Bagbag in District 5; and Apolonio Samson and Culiat in District 6.
Flooding remained severe in several communities as of 8:50 a.m., with water reaching 45 inches or chest-deep levels in parts of Barangays Bagong Silangan, Doña Imelda, and Apolonio Samson.
Waist-deep flooding, or about 37 inches, was also reported in portions of Bagong Silangan, Apolonio Samson, Tatalon, and Sto. Domingo, while other areas experienced knee-deep and lower levels of flooding.
The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (QCDRRMD) said its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remained operational around the clock to monitor weather conditions and developments across the city.
Response teams were also deployed to various areas to provide immediate assistance and respond to incidents arising from the continuing rains.
The city government urged residents to remain alert and monitor its official announcements for weather updates, warnings, and other emergency information.
Residents needing immediate assistance may contact the Quezon City Helpline 122.