Habagat floods paralyze Metro traffic; MMDA suspends number coding

Heavy traffic was observed in  the metropolis as Habagat continue to pour heavy rains while the expanded unified vehicle volume reduction program (UVVRP) of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was suspended due to inclement weather.

Report gathered showed Habagat that battered Metro Manila caused flooding, heavy traffic, and floating debris.

Heavily affected are commuters and motorists in Manila due to knee-deep floods on Roxas Boulevard, P. Ocampo Street, UN Avenue, and Kalaw Avenue.

Passengers have a longer time getting a ride as jeepneys and buses were already fully loaded, while some vehicles were also seen passing through the floods.

In Quezon City, trash covered the flooded areas on G. Araneta Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, and Quezon Avenue going to E. Rodriguez Avenue.

Plastics and woods were floating in the floods, as residents were having difficulty passing the affected streets.

          Floods in Valenzuela City, reached up to the second floor of some houses near Tullahan River and around 800 people with their pets evacuated to Valenzuela National High School in Barangay Marulas.

In Marikina City, the water level in Marikina River reached 18.7 meters around 1 a.m., which prompted the raising of the third alarm status, according to a report of EJ Gomez.

          Under the third alarm, forced evacuation of residents near the river or in low-lying areas will be imposed.

          Some rescuers from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reminded concerned residents of the mandatory evacuation. As of 12:45 a.m., a total of 22,104 residents were staying in 36 evacuation centers, while vehicles near the river were moved and parked on the bridge.

          The water level went down at 5:23 a.m., to 17.7 meters, then at 6 a.m., the water level was at 17.5 meters, according to the Marikina Public Information Office.

          The MMDA on Tuesday announced the suspension of the implementation of the number coding scheme due to inclement weather.

"The implementation of the number coding scheme is suspended 22 July 2025 (Tuesday) due to heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon. Be careful driving during this rainy season and follow traffic laws for road safety," the MMDA said.

          On the other hand, the Makati City government made a similar announcement late Monday evening, amid the ongoing downpour experience in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

          Earlier, the city government announced that classes in all levels for public and private school, are suspended following the directive from Malacañang.

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