Flood-prone Areas to Avoid in Metro Manila [Updated]
Published: June 14, 2018 | Updated: November 13, 2019 | Posted by: Moneymax | Car Insurance
Rainy season is here and with it comes the hassle of commuting. From June to July (and maybe August), people will experience more train breakdowns, more traffic jams, and worst of all, heavily-flooded roads.
Traffic in Metro Manila is in its worst state when it’s flooding, when it’s a Friday, and when it’s a payday. We all expect it and we prepare for it by leaving work early or by taking alternate roads. Flooding, however, doesn’t only affect traffic. It also affects vehicles–it can damage cars and make it unusable.
Avoid such hassle by being a wiser driver and a smarter commuter. Below is a list of flood-prone areas in Metro Manila as identified by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Table of Contents
Flood-prone Areas to Avoid in Metro Manila
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- España – Antipolo-Maceda in Manila
- Burgos – Manila City Hall vicinity
- Osmeña – Skyway Northbound and Southbound,Makati
- EDSA – NorthAvenue, Quezon City
- Don Bosco, Makati
- Buendia – South Superhighway (South bound)
- Buendia – South Superhighway (North bound)
- C-5 – Bagong Ilog
- West Service Road, Merville, Paranaque
- East Service Road, Sales Street
- North Avenue in front of Trinoma
- Buendia Extension Macapagal Avenue – World Trade Center
- EDSA – Camp Aguinaldo Gate 3
- NLEX Balintawak – Cloverleaf
- EDSA – Megamall
- EDSA – Pasong Tamo Magallanes Tunnel
- Quezon Avenue, Victory Avenue / Biak na Bato
- C-5 – BCDA,Taguig City
- R. Papa – Rizal Avenue, Manila
- C-5 McKinley Road
- C-5 Bayani Road
- Philcoa Area, Quezon City
These are only the major thoroughfares in the country that are prone to flooding, but take note that even side streets may get flooded in torrential rains.
Read more: 8 Car Insurance Add-ons Every Car Owner Needs to Consider
How Can You Keep Informed?
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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.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with the MMDA and PAGASA has put together Project NOAH. The program’s main aim is to be a more integrated, accurate, and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system for every concerned citizen. Their website has maps and photos that are updated constantly to monitor flood-prone areas, and provide an early warning system to those who may be trapped in said areas.
Another website that can help you keep track of flooded areas is nababaha.com. This website also collates data from Project NOAH, and includes other possible disaster-prone areas for everyone to access.
Bookmark both sites. You never know when you’ll need reliable information.
How Can You Be Ready?
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Sometimes, information 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. This will secure you financially in case your car gets damaged from floods. Also, before leaving home or work, check your car from top to bottom, inside and out. Remember BLOWBAGETS? Yes, that’s important.
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.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in stormy weather is never ideal, and driving a car through flood-prone areas is a bad idea. But, like most Filipinos, when you got to go, you got to go. Keep yourself updated, drive carefully, and try to stay dry. We can never avoid the rain but we can avoid being hassled by it.
With a goal to help Filipinos lead healthier financial lives, Moneymax regularly publishes tips and tricks on personal finance and lifestyle, among many other topics. For more finance-related news and articles, follow Moneymax on Linkedin.
