Quezon City deploys buses for stranded commuters

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday deployed additional buses to assist commuters stranded due to heavy rains that flooded parts of Metro Manila.

According to the local government, there was no interruption in the operations of the Q City Bus, which provides free transport service in various parts of the city.

“The local government will deploy additional buses along all routes and assign enforcers from the Traffic and Transport Management Department to assist and serve stranded commuters,” city hall said.

As of Monday afternoon, at least 20 barangays in the city had reported floods amid heavy rainfall induced by the southwest monsoon.

A portion of West Riverside in Barangay Damayan was submerged in floods as well as parts of Barangays St. Peter, Sto. Domingo, Pasong Tamo, Botocan and Tatalon.

Motorists also reported flooding in parts of Commonwealth Avenue, resulting in traffic congestion.

Hundreds of families have evacuated since last week due to the inclement weather.

Meanwhile, the city government extended the deadline for payment of the third quarter tax until today.

Pasig under red alert

In Pasig, Mayor Vico Sotto placed the city under red alert status at noon yesterday as the Wawa Dam neared its critical spilling level due to continuous monsoon rains.

Sotto said the city’s incident management team has been activated to monitor the dam, which reached 134.06 meters as of 12 p.m., just below its 135-meter spilling level.

“If the dam overflows, the Marikina River will rise rapidly,” Sotto said in a social media post.

He said the local government is in close coordination with Barangays Santolan and Sta. Lucia as well as communities along the Manggahan Floodway.

Sotto advised residents to remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate if instructed by barangay officials or the city’s disaster response team.

“Don’t panic, but follow the authorities if told to evacuate,” he said.

Several roads in Makati, Pasay and Parañaque were also submerged in floodwaters. — EJ Macababbad