Severe flooding brought life in the Philippine capital and surrounding provinces to a standstill on Tuesday, as relentless rainfall forced tens of thousands to evacuate and left at least two people missing.
Schools and government offices in Manila and nearby regions were shut after heavy overnight downpours caused the Marikina River to overflow.
More than 23,000 residents living near the river were forced to leave their homes, seeking shelter in schools, community centres, and covered spaces.
An additional 44,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas in the metro cities of Quezon, Pasig, and Caloocan.
According to Wilmer Tan from Marikina’s rescue office, the river swelled to a height of 18 metres (59 feet), submerging nearby communities.
In one distressing incident, an elderly woman and her driver were swept away by rising waters while attempting to cross a bridge over a swollen creek in Caloocan.
Emergency official John Paul Nietes confirmed that the car was recovered late Monday night with a broken window, raising hopes the pair may have escaped, though they remain missing as rescue operations continue.
Although water levels began to recede by Tuesday afternoon, many evacuees remained unable to return to their homes.
Since Tropical Storm Wipha passed close to the country on Friday, continued monsoon rains have already claimed at least six lives and left six others missing across central and southern regions, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The national weather bureau has forecast further rainfall for the remainder of the week, heightening fears of renewed flooding.
The Philippines, which faces around 20 storms or typhoons each year, is particularly vulnerable due to its geography and widespread poverty.
“These floods are dangerous,” said 61-year-old Manila street sweeper Avelina Lumangtad, standing beside an inundated street. “This is hard, because if the rain continues… the river will swell.”
Experts warn that climate change is making these storms more intense and destructive, worsening the impact on already vulnerable communities.
