Nona’s floods fail to dampen Simbang Gabi

MANILA, Philippines - Devout Filipinos braved rain and flood spawned by Typhoon Nona to attend the first of the traditional nine days of Simbang Gabi or dawn mass before daybreak yesterday, marking the start of the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

Thousands of the faithful in Metro Manila waded in flooded streets to attend the first dawn mass amid the heavy rains brought by the typhoon.

Nona (international name Melor) paralyzed much of Metro Manila by late Tuesday, with floodwaters about four feet deep in some areas, causing traffic gridlock on major roads.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said several areas in Metro Manila were submerged as the downpour intensified at 8 p.m.

Floods were reported in the streets of Manila, Parañaque, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Quezon City, Makati and Valenzuela.

The streets of Parañaque, Pasay, Makati and Quezon City registered an average eight to 10 inches of flood.

The most affected were the streets in Valenzuela with an average of 10 to 20 inches deep in floods.

On Tuesday, the MMDA had raised its yellow alert for Nona as it prepared for possible flooding.

MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos said coordination was made with several local government units in Metro Manila.

“We have asked the different LGUs at national agencies of their preparations. Based on their report, they are ready to cope with the floods,” Carlos said.