Metro Manila, Philippines — Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi) brought rains and winds that flooded many areas in Luzon and the Visayas, as well as disrupted air and sea travel on Monday, Sept. 2.
Weather began to worsen on Sunday, along with an enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat, as “Enteng” drew closer to landmass.
In Northern Samar, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued around 40 people stranded in Barangays Sabang II and Jubasan in Allen town.
Those were just among the affected areas in Eastern Visayas. As of 12 p.m. on Monday, the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported nearly 11,000 affected families or more than 45,300 people from the Samar provinces and Biliran.
The regional office also said more than 76,000 family food packs and around 29,000 non-food items were pre-positioned.
By Monday, Enteng dumped rains over Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
In Bacoor City, Cavite, some 20 families or 70 people sought shelter at Aniban Central School, escaping fast rising flood water from a river that overflowed. Power was out as well.
“Matindi na talaga ‘yong baha dito kagabi pa lang. Napakalakas ng alon ‘yong tubig nalabas talaga sa kanal. Kaya yong ano natin dito, enjoyin na lang natin kaysa magpaproblema tayo,” Boy, a Barangay Aniban I resident wearing goggles, told NewsWatch Plus.
[Translation: The flood here has been bad since last night. There was current from water coming out of canals. That’s why we’re trying to enjoy ourselves instead of focusing on the problem.]
Persistent rains caused floods as high as chest-deep in San Mateo, Rizal, prompting more than 300 families to seek safer grounds.
It was just over a month when people last evacuated or during the onset of Typhoon Carina.
Evacuees secured appliances and furniture before leaving home.
“Lagi na lang ho kasi kaming inaabot ng tubig. Wala naman kaming maano kasi alam n’yo naman po kami nagtitinda lang kami ng tinapa… Kung sa lilipat, mahal ngayon ang paupa,” Criselda Batumbacal, an evacuee in Maly Elementary School, told NewsWatch Plus.
[Translation: Floodwaters always reach our house. We cannot do anything because we’re just selling fish… Rent is expensive.]
“Malaki ang tubig. Halos ‘yung mga tao, nagkukumahog para lumikas dito sa eskwelahan,” another evacuee Marilou Cabobos said. “Takot na po ako kasi dahil nung Ondoy, na-trap kami sa bahay saka itong Carina. Ang laki, nakakatakot talaga.”
[Translation: The water is deep. Almost everyone is rushing to evacuate here in the school. I am scared because we were trapped in our house during Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon Carina. It is scary.]
San Mateo Mayor Omie Rivera said the huge volume of rain and trash caused the flood.
“Bumagal ang takbo ng mga tubig na nandu’n sa mga creeks, ‘yung mga sapa, ‘yung mga drainage system. So, basura pa rin,” Rivera said.
[Translation: Water flow in creeks and the drainage system slowed down. Garbage is still the cause.]
Travel affected
At least 29 flights were canceled at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday morning, the Manila International Airport Authority said.
The coast guard also reported more than 1,700 passengers were stranded in seaports across Bicol, Western Visayas, Southern Tagalog, and Palawan on Monday afternoon.
Heavy rain also forced the cancelation of 17 trips at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.
According to the initial report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, two were killed and 10 others were hurt.
The Department of Health has reminded the public to avoid wading in floodwaters to be safe from leptospirosis.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also said the government is ready for the storm’s aftermath.
NewsWatch Plus’ Jelo Ritzhie Mantaring, Daniza Fernandez, and Lance Mejico contributed to this report.
