Flooding, road hazards hit Metro Manila as Crising brings heavy rain
(July, 18 2025) Dark clouds over metro Manila was seen from Antipolo over view on Friday July 18 2025, a Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was raised in more than 40 areas across Luzon as Tropical Depression Crising maintained its strength while moving toward Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. Photo/Analy Labor
Photo by Analy Labor for DAILY TRIBUNE
Torrential rains brought by Tropical Storm Crising triggered widespread flooding across Metro Manila early Saturday, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to issue warnings on dangerous driving conditions.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported multiple flooded roads starting as early as 6:25 a.m., with streets in Manila submerged in gutter-deep waters. Affected areas included Maria Orosa corner Kalaw, Kalaw from Manila Doctors to Taft, and the westbound lane of V. Mapa. Despite the flooding, the roads remained passable to all types of vehicles. Earlier reports also confirmed inundation along Padre Faura, Taft Avenue, España Boulevard, and President Quirino Avenue Extension near Paz Mendoza Guazon.
In Quezon City, flooding reached critical levels. At 4:36 a.m., the intersection of E. Rodriguez and Araneta Avenue recorded water levels as high as 13 inches, rendering the road impassable to light vehicles. By 6:24 a.m., gutter-deep floodwaters were also spotted along Commonwealth Avenue eastbound near University Avenue.
In Mandaluyong, around 4:45 a.m., the EDSA Shaw Tunnel northbound registered floodwaters at about 8 inches. Despite the rise, the road remained open to motorists. Meanwhile, Pasay saw brief flooding along EDSA-Roxas Boulevard northbound, which subsided before 5 a.m.
Navotas reported 9 inches of floodwater at the intersection of San Jose–M. Naval and E. Tuazon as of 5:25 a.m., but the route stayed open to all types of vehicles.
The MMDA said all reports were confirmed through Metrobase surveillance, local government coordination, CCTV monitoring, and field response units. Emergency responders, including MMDA Public Safety Officers and Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) teams, were placed on heightened alert.
By late morning, storm damage extended beyond flooding. At 11:20 a.m., a utility pole collapsed along the northbound lane of C5 Katipunan-Ateneo, hitting a vehicle and prompting authorities to close the affected lane. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes.
Another incident occurred on the southbound lane of the same road, where a billboard fell and hit two vehicles. MMDA’s Central Traffic Enforcement District II immediately dispatched enforcers to manage the situation and assist affected motorists.
Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, monitor advisories, and avoid flood-prone areas when possible.