Jolina, Kiko Bring Floods; Vaccination, Classes Suspended

Tropical Storm Jolina submerged parts of Metro Manila and cancelled activities including classes and the vaccination program in some cities yesterday.

- Ghio Ong And Elizabeth Marcelo

As of 6 p.m., parts of Quirino service road along Roxas Boulevard, P. Burgos, Finance Road and Taft Avenue as well some roads in Navotas and Malabon were submerged in floodwater, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

The local government units of Muntinlupa and Taguig, and the University of Makati suspended distance learning sessions due to heavy rains and floods.

Makati, Navotas and Taguig suspended their vaccination programs and advised residents to wait for further announcements that would be posted on their social media pages.

Aside from being under Tropical Cycle Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2, an orange rainfall warning was issued over Metro Manila that may submerge low-lying areas. Jolina (international name Conson) will continue to batter Luzon today, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as it warned several provinces including Metro Manila to brace for heavy to intense rains and strong winds.

PAGASA said the country may feel the effects tomorrow of another typhoon, Kiko (Chanthu), which entered the Philippine area of responsibility as Jolina made landfall on Tuesday.

In a weather bulletin issued at 5 p.m. yesterday, the state weather bureau said Jolina had weakened from severe to ordinary tropical storm as it headed toward Bataan.

As of 4 p.m. the center of Jolina was spotted over Manila Bay, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.

The typhoon was slowly moving north-westward at 10 kph.