Motorists, commuters stranded for hours amid NCR floods

Rains induced by a low pressure area and the Habagat caused flooding and gridlock in several parts of Metro Manila on Thursday, leaving many motorists and commuters stranded on the road.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras," the downpour submerged the corner of Taft Avenue and United Nations Avenue in Manila making it impassable to light vehicles for a few hours.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-South Manila District Engineering Office said it usually takes two hours for the flood to subside in the area.

“Pero dati umaabot pa yan sa 6 to 10 hours. Nabubulunan talaga ang mga estero natin dahil sa basura,” said Mikunug Macud, DPWH engineer said.

A commuter who has an appointment with the Court of Appeals said that even if he has money to pay for a taxi, not one is available to give him a ride.

Another commuter said, "Mahihirapan din makauwi nito."

On Wednesday night, the flood along España Boulevard also caused heavy traffic, which took two hours to subside.

According to the DPWH-North Manila District Engineering Office, the ongoing  construction of a pumping station aggravated the flood.

“Nag-iimbudo ang tubig papunta sa pumping station namin dahil sa basin na ginagawa namin sa Estero de Valencia. Pero ‘pag natapos na po ito, posibleng zero flooding na po ang Espana,” said DPWH engineer Denryl Cortuna.

"Our aim is by 2030, Metro Manila is flood free. We believe it's doable," Macud added.

Meanwhile, parts of Metro Manila also have also been experiencing rains since Wednesday such as Mandaluyong, San Juan, Navotas, Caloocan and Quezon City.

Due to the continuous rains, 10 domestic flights of AirSwift Airlines were  cancelled, according to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

Other airlines have not yet released any announcement regarding cancellations.

MIAA also asked for understanding on the constant red lightning alerts that delay the release of passengers' luggage.  It said ground operations have to be temporarily halted for the safety of personnel.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News