Metro Manila Flooded: Rainy Season Concerns Rise After Deadly Landslide

Metro Manila Flooding: Heavy Rains Raise Rainy Season Concerns Parts of Metro Manila experienced significant flooding on May 14, 2025, due to heavy afternoon rains. The downpour caused knee-high water in several areas, disrupting traffic and forcing residents to wade through the streets. Videos circulating online show the extent of the flooding, with cars partially submerged and people navigating the waters. One particularly alarming video shows a man who died after a landslide in Tur, South Cotabato. "Ganito kataas na baha ang sinubok ng ilang motorista," one resident commented on the video, showing the depth of the flood. (This high flood was endured by several motorists.) The state weather bureau, PAGASA, reported that while thunderstorms are common in the afternoon, the conditions haven't yet met the criteria for declaring the official start of the rainy season. PAGASA Weather Specialist Veronica Torres explained, "'Dapat more than 50% ng station sa western section ng bansa natin o 'yung mga nasa may Climate Type 1 ay makapagtala ng 25 millimeters...or more na pag-ulan sa loob ng 3 days na magkakasunod na araw. And then dapat meron silang at least 1 millimeter na daily rainfall.'" (More than 50% of the stations in the western section of our country or those in Climate Type 1 must record 25 millimeters or more of rain over 3 consecutive days. Then they must have at least 1 millimeter of daily rainfall.) Despite the flooding, there were also moments of community spirit as people helped each other through the difficult conditions. The quick response of authorities in rescuing stranded residents is a positive aspect of the event. The situation highlights the need for preparedness during the upcoming rainy season.