METRO

Habagat triggers mass evacuations, transport disruptions

Pat C. Santos · Aug 9, 2026, 11:32 PM

A jeepney driver checks on the engine amid the heavy rain along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Bacoor, Cavite on Sunday afternoon. — PHOTOGRAPHS by Zedrich Xylak Madrid for DAILY TRIBUNE

Continuous heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon prompted mass evacuations, street flooding and transit disruptions across Metro Manila over the weekend.

The local government of Manila temporarily evacuated about 217 families — totaling 745 individuals — living in high-risk areas along waterways and coastal lines Saturday, according to Manila Department of Social Welfare director Jay dela Fuente.

Evacuees from coastal and riverside communities, including Baseco Compound and areas along Osmeña Highway, were moved to local centers and provided with hot meals, bedding, mini-tents and medical care.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso directed the Manila Police District to secure the vacant homes while residents remain in shelters.

In neighboring Quezon City, officials evacuated 351 families, or 884 individuals, across five districts as of Sunday.

The majority sought refuge at the New Evacuation Center in Barangay Bagong Silangan.

Parts of Quezon City faced severe flooding, with water levels reaching up to 60 inches in Barangay Del Monte and 45 inches in Barangay Sto. Domingo, leaving several roads impassable.

Weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration placed Quezon City under an orange rainfall warning Sunday afternoon, prompting local rescue teams to remain on standby.

Public transportation was also affected by the weather. The Department of Transportation temporarily shut down select escalators and elevators across nine MRT-3 stations — including North Avenue, Cubao, Ayala, and Taft Avenue — due to rain exposure.

Transit officials urged commuters to exercise extra caution, though MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 lines remained operational.

To the north, the Caloocan City government raised its disaster response status to Red Alert. Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan said emergency responders have been deployed, evacuation sites prepared, and road clearing operations launched to remove debris from major thoroughfares.