Manila flags debris, live wires amid habagat
The Manila city government ordered a full mobilization of personnel, intensified debris clearing, and sustained evacuation support on Monday, August 10, as continuous rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat) kept several areas flooded and hazardous.
Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso issued the directive after convening the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), stressing that all departments must stay on active duty despite the suspension of work.
“I know there’s no work today, but the people have no one else to rely on but us in government," Domagoso said.
Evacuations, food supply pushed
City social workers were ordered to maintain round-the-clock food distribution in evacuation centers, where hundreds of families displaced by flooding remain sheltered.
Authorities said supplies are being replenished continuously as more residents from low-lying communities arrive seeking temporary shelter.
Clearing ops intensified, hazards flagged
Clearing teams from the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and the Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS) were directed to continuously remove fallen trees, debris, and obstructions across major roads and interior streets.
Domagoso warned that beyond flooding, storm debris and unstable structures pose added risks, particularly to pedestrians and motorists.
“On top of the flooding, this debris may also cause accidents or harm to passersby,” he said.
He also ordered engineers to coordinate with Meralco crews to clear fallen posts and live wires, citing the danger of electrocution in inundated areas.
Officials said no widespread power outages have been recorded, though isolated incidents were reported in some districts.
Roads, security, hospitals on active status
Traffic enforcers were deployed to manage flow in flooded and partially blocked roads, assist stranded motorists, and reroute vehicles away from high-risk areas.
Police units were placed on heightened alert, tasked to secure communities and prevent opportunistic crimes during the prolonged bad weather.
“We will not allow these criminals to take advantage of the situation (Hindi natin papayagan ang mga tulisan na samantalahin ang sitwasyon),” the mayor said.
Hospitals and health centers were also instructed to activate contingency measures, ensure sufficient medical supplies, and shift resources between facilities depending on patient demand.
Reports due, next steps eyed
All department heads were ordered to submit situation reports by 6 p.m. to guide the city’s next actions, including a possible decision on class suspensions for Tuesday.
With rains expected to persist, authorities said they will continue close monitoring of flood-prone areas, evacuation centers, and critical infrastructure, while response teams remain deployed across the capital.