14-7-2023 (MANILA) Metro Manila was inundated by heavy rains brought on by a low-pressure area, resulting in severe flooding and chaos on the roads. The downpour caused massive traffic congestion in various parts of the city and posed significant challenges for commuters and motorists alike.
The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) was particularly affected, with commuters and motorists enduring hours of heavy traffic buildup. The congestion along the northbound lane of SLEX towards Manila stretched an astonishing 17.2 kilometers to Sta. Rosa in Laguna by 9 a.m. yesterday, as reported by SLEX’s official Twitter account. By 11 a.m., the line of cars had reached 16.3 kilometers, but it gradually decreased to 13 kilometers, extending up to the Mamplasan area in Biñan, Laguna, by 4 p.m.
As of 5:10 p.m., SLEX authorities stated that heavy traffic persisted in the northbound lane, with particular congestion at Petang Bridge in Sta. Rosa, spanning 600 meters, as well as Alaska layby with a tail end of 3.3 kilometers, and Alabang viaduct at 3.5 kilometers.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed his frustration on social media, describing the standstill traffic situation as “bumper to bumper” upon entering SLEX through the Filinvest gate. He cited a friend’s account who had been stuck in the same situation in Magallanes despite leaving Quezon City at 4 a.m.
Netizens flooded social media with complaints about their lengthy wait times in traffic, with some reporting delays of up to five hours. Many expressed their frustration at being late for work or school, while others resorted to walking in the pouring rain to reach their destinations. Numerous photos and videos circulated online, showcasing flooded areas near the Bicutan and Sucat gates of SLEX, where several motorists claimed their vehicles had stalled after attempting to navigate through the waterlogged roads.
Even the Skyway, the elevated tollway connecting north and south Luzon, did not provide relief, as heavy traffic also plagued its flyovers.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) closely monitored the flooding situation in various areas, including the knee-deep floods in Sun Valley, Parañaque, and the gutter-deep flooding in the Bicutan area, both of which contributed to slow-moving traffic. Additionally, the flooding spilled over onto local roads in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Pasay, causing further traffic congestion along the southbound lane of EDSA, extending up to the Timog flyover.
MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes acknowledged that the affected areas along SLEX were not under the agency’s jurisdiction, but they coordinated with the relevant local government units to manage the traffic situation. He revealed that a company involved in road works had inadvertently damaged the drainage systems along SLEX, which exacerbated the flooding issue. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that the mall expansion project was responsible for the drainage system’s impairment. The company requested an additional week to repair the drainage system, further prolonging the inconvenience for motorists.
Adding to the woes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that more rainfall is expected due to a low-pressure area (LPA) off Aurora and the southwest monsoon. Although the chances of the LPA developing into a tropical cyclone are low, it will move closer to parts of Eastern Luzon, resulting in monsoon rains across Metro Manila and several regions in Luzon. The Bicol region and Western Visayas will experience occasional rains due to the southwest monsoon or habagat. Furthermore, localized thunderstorms will bring isolated rains to Caraga and Davao regions.
In response to the inclement weather, Cebu Pacific announced possible delays or cancellations for flights departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on July 14. The airline extended flexible options, such as free rebooking and travel funds, for affected passengers. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) also reported the cancellation of 10 domestic flights operated by AirSwift from Manila to El Nido and its return flights, including Busuanga-Manila, due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Corp., the operator of Skyway, issued an apology to motorists who experienced heavy flooding on the Skyway At Grade (ground level) Bicutan in Parañaque City. The company acknowledged the rise in floodwaters at this specific section of the Skyway, attributing it to drainage system issues outside their direct control. They stated that ongoing construction works in the area had caused the problem and assured the public that they were actively collaborating with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other relevant authorities to find a joint solution.
