Flooding in Laguna may last 2 months – DPWH

MANILA, Philippines – Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said flooding in Laguna could last as long as two months.

In a report to President Benigno Aquino III during a nationwide disaster assessment held in Camp Aguinaldo, Singson said incessant rains have pushed the water in Laguna Lake to a “worrisome level.”

Singson said the water level in Laguna Lake now stands at 13.30 meters. In reference, he said the water level during Tropical Storm Ondoy was 13.85 meters.

“At this level, we estimate that the flood-prone areas around Laguna Lake which will include the towns of Taguig, Angono, Baras, Morong, Mabitac, Lumban, Santa Cruz, Pila, Victoria and some portions of Cabuyao and San Pedro, the flooding there could last pretty long, could be about as long as two months,” said Singson.

The Secretary added, “The water level is really high there and the only outlet will be Pasig so I think, Mr President, we should monitor the Laguna area and they will need a lot of support, the low-lying areas around Laguna Lake.”

Aquino presided over the disaster assessment at the headquarters of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Quezon City. Also present in the meeting were other Cabinet secretaries, top disaster officials, and officials of flood-affected local government units.

Singson said 15 national roads in the National Capital Region are not passable, with the heaviest flooding in Malabon, Navotas, Caloocan, Valenzuela and Meycauayan. In Region 3, 10 roads are not passable.

Two major roads in Bulacan are also impassable as well as three major road segments in the Cavite, Tagaytay and Batangas areas. Two bridges were also damaged in Occidental Mindoro.

Here are other updates from the briefing:

1) No PNR trains; MRT, LRT operational

In his report, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said the Philippine National Railways (PNR) system suspended operations, with one train stranded.

Roxas, however, said that the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems are still operational.

For flights, Roxas said that the planes continue to take off and land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), expect for flights to Caticlan. 

2) 1.5 days for power restoration

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the rain has affected power supply in flood-hit areas. Almendras said that once floodwaters recede, it will take one and a half days to restore power supply in these areas.

3) Marikina River to reach 20.4m

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said that water level at the Marikina River is projected to reach 20.4 meters by 2 pm of Tuesday.

“The critical level is 18 meters. The water there is now at 19.8 meters,” said Montejo.

4) Saturday make-up classes for students 

Officials from the Department of Education said class suspensions because of the bad weather will require make-up classes on Saturdays. – Rappler.com

For more weather updates, visit the #WeatherAlert Microsite.

Everyone is encouraged to help out. Check this list of evacuation centers and relief operations in Metro Manila for places near you. 

 

More in #WeatherAlert:

• PHOTOS: PH capital, nearby cities at a standstill in floods
• Filipino values emerge in deluge
• 4 areas in Luzon under state of calamity
• Flooding in Laguna may last 2 months – DPWH
• Southwest monsoon causing heavy rain over Luzon
• 20,000 displaced in Metro Manila floods