Water hyacinth invades every empty surface of Pasig River in Manila

A swathe of floating water hyacinth seems to cover every square inch of a portion of Pasig River in the heart of the City of Manila near the mouth of the bay, in these photos taken on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

Photos by Danny Pata

During rainy season, this invasive floating aquatic plant chokes long stretches of the Pasig River crossing several cities in the metropolis before emptying into the Manila Bay.

A thick cover of water hyacinth poses a problem to small vessels using the river as the plants hamper navigation, and their stems and leaves get entangled in propellers, causing stalling.

But to this seagull, the "flowing field of grass" is perfect for a hitch ride. —with Danny Pata/LBG, GMA News