Manila opens evacuation centers amid heavy rains, flooding
Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) accommodates 33 families, or 111 individuals, at evacuation centers across the city on Saturday, Aug. 29. (Photo courtesy of MDSW)
The Manila City government has opened all evacuation centers and placed key government and health facilities on high alert as heavy rains battered the city on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Manila City Social Welfare officer Jay Dela Fuente said all district welfare offices and primary evacuation centers are now operational.
Four centers have begun accommodating 33 families, 111 individuals in total.
AC Herrera Elementary School is sheltering 15 families (45 individuals) from Barangay 197.
The Barangay 199 Multipurpose Hall has taken in seven families (25 individuals) from Estero De Matang Tubig.
Ten families (35 individuals) from San Andres near Tripa de Galina are at District Welfare Office V, while a family of six from Barangay 598 near the flood‑prone San Juan River is staying at Likha Multipurpose Hall.
Hot meals and sleeping mats have been provided to evacuees in District 5.
The Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MCDRRM) reported flooding along portions of Taft Avenue, including areas near Quirino Avenue, United Nations Avenue, Kalaw, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
MCCDRRMD chief meteorologist Christian Evangelista said the southwest monsoon (habagat), combined with thunderstorms brought heavy to intense rainfall in the city from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"Sa kasalukuyan ay nakataas pa rin ang Red Rainfall Warning sa NCR at inaasahang magpapatuloy hanggang mamayang 5 p.m. (As of now, the Red Rainfall Warning remains in effect across the NCR and is still expected to last until 5 p.m.)," he added. (Shane Quiachon)