Ondoy-like floods trap thousands
The Philippine Star|November 13, 2020
Rescuers raise a guard house barrier as they ferry families from the flooded Estrella Heights Subdivision in Rodriguez
NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS
Ondoy-like floods trap thousands

With thousands trapped on rooftops by fast-rising flood similar to the one unleashed by Tropical Storm Ondoy, local leaders in Marikina and Rizal yesterday cried for more help from the national government as the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses “overwhelmed” disaster response teams.

In Marikina, over 40,000 houses became submerged after Marikina River’s water level rose to as high as 22 meters by 11 a.m., which was higher than the 21.5-meter level recorded in September 2009 when Ondoy inundated Metro Manila. The river’s water level, however, dipped to 18.9 meters by early evening.

Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said the city’s 50 rubber boats were not enough to respond to calls for help from residents stuck on rooftops – many of whom were already suffering from hypothermia due to long exposure to rain and strong winds for hours.

“Air rescue is needed because our residents are on their roofs now,” Teodoro said in a radio interview. “We are lacking so much and our residents are terrified. Others have suffered hypothermia because of being soaked overnight.”

City government figures provided by the mayor said the flood touched the rooflines of some 30,000 houses in Barangay Nangka, 8,000 in Barangay Tumana and 5,000 to 6,000 in Barangay Malanday.

“The height of the flood exceeds the first floor of a house… So many months or years that we haven’t experienced this kind of flooding that’s why everyone was surprised,” he said in Filipino.

This story is from the November 13, 2020 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 13, 2020 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE PHILIPPINE STARView All
The Philippine Star

WHAT DO WE LOVE ABOUT J MALL?

We asked Cebu's most in-the-know locals and the country's globe-trotting tastemakers about their favorites from Cebu's hottest opening.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
HENRY SY FOUNDATION EMPOWERS EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT WITH UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS PARTNERSHIP
The Philippine Star

HENRY SY FOUNDATION EMPOWERS EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT WITH UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS PARTNERSHIP

The Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) has extended support to the University of San Carlos (USC) as part of its Diamond Jubilee initiatives, furthering HSFI's commitment to empowering Filipino youth and fostering achievement.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
J MALL: WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION
The Philippine Star

J MALL: WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION

Central Visayas has seen the highest growth rate among the country's regions at 7.3%, and at its heart is Mandaue City, the industrial hub of the region, hosting around 10,000 industrial and commercial locators.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
A NEW ERA OF URBAN RENEWAL
The Philippine Star

A NEW ERA OF URBAN RENEWAL

It is easier to tear old structures down and build a completely new one from the ground up, but SM Prime Holdings wasn't eyeing \"easy\" when they envisioned SM J Mall.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
SPRINGTIME TOKYO IN CEBU
The Philippine Star

SPRINGTIME TOKYO IN CEBU

Manila and Cebu's movers and shakers gather under the delicate shower of cherry blossoms for the opening of J Mall, SM and Mandaue City's newest lifestyle destination.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
KORINA SANCHEZ COMES FULL CIRCLE WITH 'FACE TO FACE'
The Philippine Star

KORINA SANCHEZ COMES FULL CIRCLE WITH 'FACE TO FACE'

If we're not mistaken, the award-winning broadcaster and producer currently has the most number of programs across different networks and platforms.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Jonathan Roumie of 'The Chosen' is coming to Phl
The Philippine Star

Jonathan Roumie of 'The Chosen' is coming to Phl

Jonathan Roumie, the actor beloved for his portrayal of Jesus in \"The Chosen,\" is set to visit Manila for a fan screening event on Nov. 22, an early Christmas gift for Pinoy fans of the ground-breaking series.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Ely Buendia: Fame didn't mix well with me
The Philippine Star

Ely Buendia: Fame didn't mix well with me

OPM icon Ely Buendia marks a fresh chapter in his solo career with the release of his sophomore album, Method Adaptor, now available via Offshore Music and Sony Music Entertainment.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
FOR DULCE, LOVE IS WORTHLESS IF YOU DON'T GIVE YOUR ALL
The Philippine Star

FOR DULCE, LOVE IS WORTHLESS IF YOU DON'T GIVE YOUR ALL

Dulce and I share a beautiful friendship for life. We know each other so well, which makes it difficult for me to sit down with her for a one-on-one interview.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
P-pop girl group KAIA shares music advice from SB19
The Philippine Star

P-pop girl group KAIA shares music advice from SB19

The members of the P-pop girl group KAIA are grateful for the support that they are getting from other P-pop groups, especially SB19.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024