Widespread floods shut down Philippine capital

Heavy rains from a storm and the seasonal monsoon caused widespread flooding Friday in the Philippine capital Manila and nearby provinces, shutting down schools and government offices. Local authorities reported that thousands had been evacuated from severely inundated communities, some with rapidly flowing waters more than neck-high. Residents take shelter in the second floor of homes where the water had reached the ceiling of the ground floor.

I’d rather not get paid than get sick.

Office clerk Alyssa Aldea, who decided to return home after finding the street outside her office blocked by knee-deep floods

Manila airport authorities said the rains and radar problems caused delays and the cancellation of at least 28 domestic flights to and from northern and central Philippines affected by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong. At least three international flights heading to Manila were also diverted to Clark International in northern Pampanga province. Flooded streets caused traffic gridlock across the city of 12 million, with many motorists and other commuters unaware of the extent of the flooding due to a lack of reports from local authorities.

Asia-Pacific marioPH