Floodwaters have receded in Navotas City on Monday morning after overnight flooding that paralyzed traffic and forced residents to wade through knee- to waist-deep waters.
As of 8:00 a.m., reports indicate that intermittent rain and strong winds persist, but roads are now passable for motorcycles and low-slung vehicles. The flooding was caused by the overflowing Malabon-Navotas Navigational Gate.
Resident Aika Paulo recalled her struggle:
“Pauwi na po ng Navotas, sa may San Jose po, hindi kami makadaan gawa ng mataas yung tubig.”
Rescue volunteers from EXECOM Fire and Rescue responded after receiving urgent messages around 3:00 a.m. Chief Mark Sanchez described the situation:
“Pinaka message po samin is lumalalim na daw po kasi yung baha sa Navotas. Tumataas po ng tumataas.”
Motorists approaching C4 Road near Navotas City Hall were advised to take a detour through the fish market toward Malabon City Hall, where roads remain passable.
Meanwhile, Quezon City remains under critical conditions. Over 6,000 families, or more than 23,000 individuals, are currently in evacuation centers. Barangay Bagong Silangan alone shelters more than 1,000 families in six centers.
Ronald Jeff Velasco, Section Chief for Operations, Research & Planning at QC-BDRRMO, explained:
“Pag worst case scenarios nag oopen kami ng halos 13 evacuation centers. Meron po kasi kaming computerized evacuation system… High risk po kasi kami sa flood. Meron po kami halos 55 low lying areas.”
Strong winds also toppled a tree and power post in Kamuning, which Meralco personnel addressed around midnight.
Authorities continue to monitor low-lying and high-risk areas and urge residents to remain vigilant as rain and strong winds persist.