Heavy rains from the southwest monsoon continue to flood roads and communities in Central Luzon, leaving thousands of families displaced and damaging crops.

As of September 5, the Office of the Civil Defense Region 3 reported that 160,359 families, or 534,535 individuals, have been affected by the ongoing rains in the region.

The Candaba-San Miguel and Candaba-Baliuag roads in Pampanga have turned into virtual fishponds after the river overflowed due to continuous rains from the southwest monsoon.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes as flooding has also affected Barangays Pangcalara and Dulong Ilog, even reaching the front of the municipal hall.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), 15 barangays in Candaba are submerged in floodwaters.

"Not passable pa din po sila, tumataas po kasi ang current ng tubig ngayon, so it would take five days more siguro," Candaba DRRM Officer Galen Gumabon said.

In Lubao, Pampanga, several rice fields in San Pedro Palcarangan were damaged by the rains just days before the planned harvest next week.

Meanwhile, in Olongapo City, over 60 families were evacuated to ensure the safety of residents living in high-risk areas.

In Palauig, Zambales tornado struck Barangay Locloc on September 3, causing roofs to fly off homes and knocking down trees.

"Ang sabi po ng kapitan, mayroon pong buhawi na naglipad po sa puno. May ilang bahay din pong malapit sa National High School ng Locloc na natanggalan din po ng yero," John de Guia, Palauig DRRM Officer, said.

A tornado also hit a market near the jeepney terminal in Masinloc, Zambales, damaging a makeshift tent, though no injuries were reported.