Six years have passed after the entry of Tropical Storm Ondoy, with international name Ketsana, into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on September 24, 2009. Ondoy enhanced the southwest monsoon or hanging habagat, which triggered heavy to torrential rains in most parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

The enhancement of the habagat resulted to widespread flooding in the Metro, Central and Southern Luzon, and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao, resulting in 1,786 flooded barangays in more than 150 municipalities and 30 cities of 26 provinces in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, IX, XII, ARMM, CAR and NCR.

Aside from floods, landslides also occurred along Mt. Province-Cagayan, Brgy. San Juan-Banyo, Arayat in Pampanga, and Brgy. Bongalon, Sangay in Camarines Sur. Water levels also escalated. The gates in the dams of La Mesa, Ipo, Ambuklao and Binga were opened as water levels reached critical status.

In the final report of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (now called the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), more than 900 thousand families or more than 4 million persons were affected by Ondoy and the enhanced habagat. In terms of casualties, more than 464 people were declared dead, with 529 injured and 37 missing.

Massive destruction in infrastructure and agriculture amounted to around P11 billion. Damaged school buildings were pegged at 1,382, including instructional materials and school equipment amounting to more than P600 billion. More than 185,000 houses were also damaged from the wrath of Ondoy and the habagat.

According to PAGASA, the amount of rain accumulated within 24 hours surpassed the whole month’s normal rainfall. Thus, in just a few hours, Ondoy and the habagat dumped enormous rains to the affected areas.

Six years later, we have learned to be more vigilant when it comes to inclement weather. Flood prone areas in more barangays and cities have been identified through hazard mapping. We may be drenched in water, but the spirit of bayanihan keeps us afloat, allowing us to recover and rise again after a calamity.

Sources: PAGASA-DOST
NDRRMC

Yesterday evening, Metro Manila experienced continuous rains that caused flooding in different areas.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio explained that these are brought about by the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” typically experienced in July, August and September. Its warm and moist characteristics are sometimes enhanced by weather disturbances like the tropical cyclone.

According PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong, heavy rains over Metro Manila is due to the combined effect of the “habagat” and Tropical Storm Mario.

As of September 18, 2014, here is the rainfall data:

Ondoy vs. Habagat

Compared to the rains brought by Ondoy to Manila in 2009, which was recorded at 455 millimeters at the Quezon City Science Garden within a 24-hour period, the recent habagat has brought 268 millimeters of rain within the same time frame.

This is because the rains we are experiencing now are not a direct effect of Tropical Storm Mario, unlike before when we were hit directly by Typhoon Ondoy.