NATION

NLEX flooding persists for 2nd day; traffic stretches 5.7 km

Franco Regala · Sep 2, 2026, 2:21 PM

Acting Mayor Anne Canlas (in light blue) inspects flood-affected areas in San Simon, Pampanga on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as knee-to-waist-deep floodwaters continue to submerge several parts of the municipality. Heavy traffic is seen at the San Simon Interchange on the North Luzon Expressway in this 10:00 AM view, with lanes closed and diversions in place due to persistent water buildup at Tulaoc and San Simon Interchange. — PIO San Simon/NLEX Corp

SAN SIMON, Pampanga — Motorists using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) were advised to take alternate routes as flooding at Tulaoc and the San Simon Interchange persisted for a second day Wednesday, with rains resuming around noon.

In its latest advisory, NLEX Corporation said Lane 3 remained closed in both directions, while Lane 1 was open to all vehicle classes. Lane 2 was restricted to Class 2 and 3 vehicles.

Southbound traffic stretched 5.7 kilometers amid the flooding.

Motorists coming from TPLEX and SCTEX Tarlac were advised to take the Central Luzon Link Expressway toward Maharlika Highway.

Several areas of San Simon also remained submerged in knee-to-waist-deep floodwaters, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Acting Mayor Anne Canlas said house-to-house distribution of rice and relief goods was ongoing in affected barangays.

“We are ensuring that every family in the affected communities receives the assistance they need amid this prolonged flooding,” Canlas said. “Relief packs and food supplies are being delivered directly to households that remain cut off by the rising waters.”

Rescue operations were also continuing across the municipality, with support from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army and disaster response teams from Palayan, Mabalacat and Marikina cities.

NLEX advised motorists to expect further delays as authorities continue to monitor conditions.