Rainy season is here and with it comes the hassle of commuting. Until November, motorists will experience more car breakdowns, traffic jams, and heavily flooded roads. The rainy season paints the worst scenario when people need to evacuate, get injured, or die due to rising floodwater, falling trees, and lightning strikes.
However, the absence of rain doesn't guarantee your safety against flooding. In Auust 2021, residents of Marikina were startled to discover their vehicles submerged in knee-deep waters after the Marikina River overflowed.[1]
With all the non-stop rains and high tides, it's important to stay in the loop regarding flood-prone areas in the Philippines. You don’t want to get stranded on the road hungry and soaking wet, or for your cars to get damaged.
Knowing these flood-prone areas in the Philippines will also guide you on where to park or pass through when traveling.
Flood-Prone Areas in Metro Manila
Flood-Prone Areas in Caloocan
Flooding in Caloocan City is usually caused by a river overflow, excessive rainfall, and inadequate channel capacity.
- Rizal Avenue
- ITC Compound near General Luis St.
- General Pio Villanueva St. to Lapu-Lapu St.
- Roxas St. to Baltazar St., West Gracepark
- Sabalo St. to Libis Talisay
- East Gracepark
- P. Rizal Extension to San Miguel St.
Flood-Prone Areas in Las Piñas
Low-lying areas in Las Pinas experience flooding due to rapid urbanization and development where settlements are established in hazard-prone areas.
- Naga Road
- Quirino Avenue
- Alabang-Zapote Road
- Tramo Line to Casimiro-Camella Subdivision and F.Santos
- Tiongquiao Road to CAA
Flood-Prone Areas in Makati
The frequency of floods in Makati is attributed to the 16 creeks and canals surrounding the city.
- Carmona
- Cembo
- East Rembo
- EDSA Pasong Tamo
- EDSA Estrella
- Magallanes Tunnel
- Forbes Park
- Guadalupe Nuevo
- Kasilawan
- La Paz
- Don Bosco
- Osmeña Skyway
- Buendia, South Superhighway
Flood-Prone Areas in Malabon
Malabon has the lowest natural resilience among all the cities in Metro Manila. Flooding in the city is caused by obstruction of river flow and pollution.
- Dagat-Dagatan Avenue Extension
- Dulong Duhat
- General Luna
- Gov. Pascual to Maria Clara
- Letre near University of the East
- M.H. Del Pilar to San Vicente
- P. Aquino to Tonsuya
Read more: Road Safety Tips to Remember When Driving This Rainy Season
Flood-Prone Areas in Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong has the second-highest resilience to natural disasters. However, the high frequency of flooding in the city is due to settlements in flood-prone areas.
- Acacia Lane
- EDSA Connecticut
- EDSA– Megamall
- F. Martinez corner Dela Paz St.
- F. Ortigas Street
- Hagdang Bato Ibaba
- J. Luna near JRU
- Kalentong near Shaw Boulevard
- Maysilo Circle
- New Zaniga
- Ortigas Avenue near La Salle Greenhills
- P. Cruz St.
- Shaw Boulevard Tunnel
Read more: 11 Car Care Tips to Protect Your Vehicle During Typhoon Season
Flood-Prone Areas in Manila
Typhoons and flooding frequently hit the city of Manila. Flooding in the city can be attributed to a high level of urbanization and the low natural ecosystem level.
- España to Lacson
- Lagusnilad Underpass
- Maria Clara to Maceda
- Maceda to Laon-Laan
- Maceda to Simoun
- Malvar St.
- P.Burgos near Manila City Hall
- Pedro Gil St.
- Quirino Avenue and Taft Avenue going to Roxas Boulevard
- Recto to Morayta
- Rizal Avenue corner R.Papa
Flood-Prone Areas in Marikina
Marikina is most vulnerable to the hazards of natural disasters mainly due to its proximity to the Marikina River and settlements established in slopes and flood-prone areas.
- Anastasia Village
- Barangka
- Concepcion
- Marikina-Pasig border near LRT Santolan
- Provident Village
- Twinville Subdivision
Flood-Prone Areas in Muntinlupa
High urbanization in Muntinlupa worsens the flooding in the city. Cemented pavements and roads cause stormwater to settle in the city's drainage systems.
- Arandia St.
- E. Rodriguez Avenue
- East Service Road
- JPA Subdivision
- M.L. Quezon Road
- Montillano St. National Road
- PNR Open Canal Multi-Land
- PNR Track
- San Guillermo Road
Flood-Prone Areas in Navotas
Navotas has the least exposure to natural disasters among the cities in Metro Manila. However, it still experiences flooding due to its location.
- Navotas West
- North Bay Boulevard
- Sipac
- Tangos
- Tanza 1 and 2
Flood-Prone Areas in Parañaque
Paranaque has the fifth highest natural resilience to disasters, even if the city’s location makes it prone to typhoons and floods.
- Canayan Road
- Daang Batang
- East Service Road corner Tanyag
- Fourth Estate, Sucat Road
- La Huerta Market
- NIA Road to Macapal
- Sucat Road corner C-5 Extension
- Taft Avenue Extension
- West Service Road, Merville
Flood-Prone Areas in Pasay
Pasay City’s high urbanization rate contributes to its susceptibility to more instances of flooding.
- Barangay 179 near Maricban Creek
- Macapagal Ave. near World Trade Center
- Pasay Taft Rotonda
- St. Joan St
- Vitra Subdivision
Flood-Prone Areas in Pasig
Pasig City is intensely urbanized. Urban green spaces are estimated at less than 1% of the city’s land area.
- C-5 Bagong Ilog
- C-5 Eagle
- Floodway
- Manggahan
- Rosario
- Santolan near Marikina-Pasig border and LRT Santolan
- Joseph and Countryside near SM East
Flood-Prone Areas in Pateros
Pateros has a large number of non-permanent structures built in hazardous and flood-prone areas.
- E. Mendoza St
- M. Almeda St. cor. Bagong Calzada
- San Guillermo
- Second District
- Sta. Rosa Bridge
Read more: Typhoon in the Philippines: Tips and Reminders to Keep Your Family Safe
Flood-prone Areas in Quezon City
Flooding in Quezon City is mainly caused by creek overflow and clogged drainages due to improper garbage disposal.
- 18th Avenue corner P. Tuazon
- Araneta Avenue corner Maria Clara
- Aurora Boulevard to Harvard St.
- Biak na Bato
- Bitoon Circle near Commonwealth Avenue
- C-3 Sgt. Esguerra
- Commonwealth Avenue, Visayas Ave.
- EDSA Muñoz
- NLEX A. Bonifacio
- Balintawak
- Roxas District near Quezon Ave.
- Scout Tobias corner Timog
- Tandang Sora near Commonwealth
- Tatalon near Talayan Creek
- Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano
Flood-Prone Areas in San Juan
San Juan also experiences very frequent flooding. It's one of the most flood-prone areas in the Philippines. Approximately 10% of San Juan’s land area is deemed unfit for development due to slopes and its proximity to the San Juan River.
- Balong Bato
- Leyva
- B Sto. Domingo
- Fernandez St
- Katubusan
- San Lorenzo Ruiz near Skyway
Flood-Prone Areas in Taguig
Like any other city in Metro Manila, Taguig is also prone to flooding and other natural disasters due to the significant loss of urban green spaces and the development of infrastructures.
- Bayani Road near C-5
- C-5 BCDA
- C-5 McKinley
- Ibayong Tipas
- Lower Bicutan
- Napindan
- New Lower Bicutan
- Wawa
Flood-Prone Areas in Valenzuela
Valenzuela is highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards. The city’s Tullahan River is also considered one of the dirtiest rivers in the country.
- Mansanas St. to Anonas St
- MacArthur Highway near Fatima Medical Center
- Alcanar St. to Mansanas St.
- Waling-Waling St. to Adelfa St
- Veinte Reales Creek to Caltex Gas Station
- H. Del Pilar St.
- San Guillermo St. to Karuhatan Road
- Marulas Creek to Tamaraw Hills St.
- Angeles St. to De Guia St.
Read more: Flooded Car Problems to Watch Out for in the Rainy Season
Other Flood-Prone Areas in the Philippines
Flood-Prone Areas in Cavite
- Bacoor
- Cavite City
- Kawit
- Naic
- Noveleta
- Rosario
- Tanza
Flood-Prone Areas in Rizal
- Ampid, San Mateo
- Mayamot, Antipolo
- Burgos, Rodriguez
- Ciudad Liezel Banaba, San Mateo
- Dolores, Taytay
- Villaluz St., Angono
- Felicidad Village, San Mateo
- Felix Avenue, Cainta
- Gitnang Bayan, Antipolo
- Golden City Subdivision, Taytay
- Junction, Cainta
- Karangalan Avenue, Cainta
- Marcos Highway, Antipolo
- Midtown Village near Pasig-Cainta Border
- Ortigas Avenue Extension, Cainta
- Sitio Wawa, Montalban
- Cecilla St., San Mateo
- Tikling, Taytay
- Youngstown Village, Cainta
Flood-Prone Areas in Bulacan
- Abangan Sur, Marilao
- Bambang, Bulakan
- Bangkal, Meycauayan
- Caingin, Meycauayan
- Iba, Hagonoy
- Santa Lucia, Angat
- Saog, Marilao
- Cristo, Angat
- Taliptip,Bulakan
Flood-Prone Areas in Pampanga
Over 223 barangays, including the following:
- Balibago, Angeles
- Castuli, Macabebe
- Entire Floridablanca
- Jose Abad Santos Avenue, San Fernando
- MacArthur Highway, San Fernando
- Mancantian, Porac
- Santa Monica, Masantol
- Sapang Kawayan, Masantol
Flood-Prone Areas in Bataan
- Hermosa
- Abucay
- Balanga
- Samal
- Orani
- Orion
- Pilar
Flood-Prone Areas in Tarlac
- San Sebastian
- San Rafael
- San Miguel
- Maliwalo
Flood-Prone Areas in Nueva Ecija
- Aliaga
- Bongabon
- Cabanatuan
- Cuyapo
- Gapan
- Guimba
- Lupao
- Science City of Muñoz
Flood-Prone Areas in Laguna
- Dela Paz
- San Isidro
- Biñan
- Pansol
- San Pedro
- Calamba
Flood-Prone Areas in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
- Abra
- Apayao
- Benguet
- Ifugao
- Kalinga
- Mountain Province
Flood-Prone Areas in Batangas
- Laurel
- Mataas na Kahoy
- Cuenca
- Lipa City
- Tuy
- Calaca
- Mabini
- San Juan
- Rosario
Flood-Prone Areas in Zambales
- Botolan
- Cabangan
- Castillejos
- Iba
- Olongapo
- Palauig
- San Antonio
- San Felipe
- San Marcelino
- Narciso
- Santa Cruz
- Subic
Flood-Prone Areas in Pangasinan
- Dagupan City
- Calasiao
- Bolinao
- Sual
- Santa Barbara
- Mangaldan
- Laoac
- Santa Maria
- Binmaley
- Agno
What is a Catch Basin?
Good weather in a particular city or town doesn't guarantee an absence of floods, especially if the area is considered a catch basin. Catch basins are storm drains or areas in the Philippines where water from other provinces flows before reaching the river basins. If the drainage system within the catch basin is clogged or inefficient, the water will rise, causing unprecedented flooding.
In the August 2021 flooding in Marikina, residents didn't foresee a critical rise in the Marikina River because of the good weather. But the nearby areas of San Mateo and upper Antipolo had been experiencing non-stop rains for days. The rainwater from these areas accumulated in Marikina, causing the river to rise to a critical level that no one anticipated.
Marikina is considered a catch basin for the highlands surrounding it. Although it doesn't always happen, Marikeños may experience sudden flooding due to water coming from upstream areas.
To understand which places may experience the same flooding as in Marikina, we need to check the four largest river basins[2] in the country.
Cagayan River Basin
Cagayan River is the largest river in the country with a drainage area of 27,280 sq km. The basin encompasses parts of Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Quezon Province, and Isabela.
Target Areas for Flood Forecasting and Warning System:
- The lower areas from Tuguegarao to Aparri
- The areas along the river course from Ilagan to Tumauini, Isabela
Pampanga River Basin
The Pampanga River has an area of 10,540 sq km, with a basin that extends over the southern slopes of the Caraballo Mountains, the Sierra Madre range, and the central plain of Luzon. It encompasses the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Quezon, and parts of Bulacan.
Flooding has become more frequent in the areas surrounding the Pampanga River Basin in recent years.[3]
Agno River Basin
The Agno River Basin has a drainage area of 5,952 square kilometers and is considered the third largest in Luzon. The river extends from its source in the Cordillera Mountains down to its mouth in Lingayen Gulf.
Target Areas for Flood Forecasting and Warning System
- The entire Pangasinan Plain, including the major cities/municipalities of Dagupan, Lingayen, Bugallon, Santa Barbara, Bayambang, and Rosales
- The central part of Tarlac province, including the municipalities of Gerona, Tarlac, Paniqui, and Moncada
Bicol River Basin
The Bicol River Basin is located in Southern Luzon and drains an area of 3,771 sq km. The runoff for the basin starts from Mayon Volcano and is estimated at 5,100 million cubic meters annually.
Target Areas for Flood Forecasting and Warning System
- The Central part of the basin, from lake Baao to Lake Bato
- The plains, extending from Naga City to the river mouth
Areas within these river basins are bound to experience more flooding compared to other areas in the country. Aside from those mentioned above, there are other 18 major river basins and sub-basins under PAGASA’s watch:
- Pampanga
- Agno
- Cagayan
- Bicol
- Pasig-Marikina
- Abra
- Cagayan de Oro
- Ilog Hilabagan
- Jalaur
- Panay
- Tagum
- Abulog
- Agusan
- Agus
- Buayan- Malungon
- Davao
- Mindanao
- Taguloan
The four sub-basins are the Angat, Binga-Ambuklao-San Roque, Pantabangan, and Magat sub-basins. But only the Binga-Ambuklao-San Roque sub-basin is currently under PAGASA’s flood watch.[4]
What Causes Flooding in Flood-Prone Areas in the Philippines?
Aside from their proximity to river basins, there are other factors that cause certain areas in the Philippines to be flood-prone.
1. Waste Material Clogging Waterways
According to the MMDA, a total of 32 truckloads of trash are being collected from all 57 pumping stations across Metro Manila.[5] These trash block canals and other waterways, contributing to the flooding in Metro Manila.
2. Inadequate Drainage Capacity
Flood-prone areas in Manila are mainly due to inadequate drainage capacity that causes flooding at the corner of Quirino Avenue and Pedro Gil, Dapitan Street/ Basilio to Casanas Street, Maceda Street/ Maria Clara to Makiling Streets, Ramon Magsaysay/Ampil Street to Magsaysay Flyover, España Lacson Street to Blumentritt, Taft Avenue from UN to Vito Cruz, Roxas Boulevard-Raja Sulayman, V. Mapa from Guadalcanal to Old Sta. Mesa Street, and Quirino Avenue eastbound from Angel Linao to Estero de Paco.
3. Informal Settlers Along Estuaries
Flooding along A. Mendoza Street/Remigio to Bambang Streets, Laon Laan Street/ Lacson Avenue to A. Mendoza Street, Dimasalang Street/Lacson to VG Cruz, Abad Santos Tayuman, and Abad Santos Yuseco are said to be caused by informal settlers.
Recently, Marikina also discovered that around 27 hectares of the Marikina River were illegally reclaimed,[6] which reduced the river’s capacity to hold excess rainwater during typhoons.
4. Non-Stop Rains
Every year, the Philippines is set to experience 20 typhoons, five of which are considered destructive. Non-stop rains from typhoons and habagat (southwest monsoon) contribute to high inflows in dam reservoirs, resulting in the opening of floodgates and releasing water to low-lying areas.
5. Illegal Logging and Agriculture
The cutting of trees and planting of crops (including the use of herbicide) along the mountain slopes cause the death of lush vegetation and the weakening of soil. This is why Cagayan province frequently experiences intense flooding.[7]
How to Identify Flood-Prone Areas
If you plan to drive even when it’s raining, apps like Google Maps and Waze can help you navigate past flooded roads. However, traffic may also be worse during these times. Always be armed with information on seasons like these.
PAGASA’s General Flood Advisory[8] can help you keep track of flood-prone areas in the Philippines. Make sure to stay updated on the weather forecast in your area. Tune in to your favorite news outlet to get the latest weather update or set up a Google News alert.
Read more: NDRRMC Rainfall Warning Alerts: What They Mean and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them
How Can You be Prepared for a Flood?
Sometimes, being informed is not enough. You have to be ready and resilient to survive flooding and other unexpected disasters on the road.
One, make sure that your vehicle has car insurance coverage. If not, shop for providers of the best car insurance in the Philippines. This will secure you financially in case your car gets damaged by floods. Also, before leaving home or work, check your car from top to bottom, inside and out. Remember BLOWBAGETS? Yes, that’s important.
Aside from securing your vehicle, consider the following as well:
- Understand the flood warning system in your area. For Marikina, the authorities raise the first alarm when the water level reaches the 15-meter mark, and the second alarm when the water reaches the 16-meter mark.
- Before any disaster, you should discuss emergency measures with your family. Designate an evacuation area for your family. Check out evacuation centers offered by the government and private organizations. Reach out to authorities early so it won’t be difficult for rescuers to search during the surge.
- During a flood, do not attempt to cross flowing rivers, water-covered roads, or bridges.
- After a flood, avoid switching on your appliances immediately. Wait for the water to totally subside and for every part of the house to be clean and dry before turning on your house’s main switch.
It’s also a great idea to keep a bag with extra clothes, toiletries, slippers, and a power bank in case you get stranded. Of course, don’t forget to bring a jacket and umbrella! You need these the most with or without flooding.
Read more: DIY Emergency Kits You Need to Prepare for the Rainy Season
Final Thoughts
Traveling in stormy weather is never ideal and driving a car through flood-prone areas in Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces is not advisable. But when you got to go, you got to go. Just keep yourself updated with the news alerts and weather updates, drive carefully, and try to stay dry. We can never avoid the rain, but we can avoid being hassled by it.
And if you’re living in any of the flood-prone areas in the Philippines, know and understand how you can help to mitigate flooding and reduce its impacts on you, your loved ones, and your property.
Sources:
- [1] Overflows possible in Marikina River, other waterways (Philippine News Agency, August 2021)
- [2] Flood Forecasting and Warning System for River Basin (PAGASA DOST)
- [3] 120 Pampanga villages still flooded (Sunstar, 2021)
- [4] and [8] PAGASA Flood Information
- [5] MMDA Installs Trash Trap to Mitigate Damage to Pumping Stations (MMDA, June 2021)
- [6] Marikina River dredging ops reveal over 27 hectares of land reclaimed without permits (Inquirer, 2021)
- [7] What causes severe flooding in Cagayan province? (ABSCBN News, 2020)
- [8] PAGASA General Flood Advisory
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