Metro Manila and nearby provinces experienced heavy rainfall on the morning of September 23, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Sevices Administration (PAGASA) to issue an orange rainfall alert, signalling the threat of flooding in low-lying areas in the city and in Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro. Some cities in Metro Manila, including Paranaque, Manila, and Quezon City, are already experiencing knee- to waist-deep floods in several areas.

In a report on Inquirer.net, PAGASA weather observer Gilbert Aquino noted that tropical storm “Pabuk,” currently located more than a thousand kilometres away on the Pacific Ocean, was affecting the southwest monsoon that the country is experiencing. Though the rains may persist until September 25, Aquino says it is unlikely that the typhoon will enter the Philippine area of responsibility.

Inquirer.net also reported that the heavy rains had prompted the several local government units and schools to declare the suspension of classes in several areas in the metro. Classes in all levels, both public and private, have been called off in the cities of Manila, Makati, Navotas, Quezon City, Malabon, Marikina, Taguig, Las Pinas, Caloocan, and Pasay. Classes from preschool to high school in both public and private schools were suspended in the cities of Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Pateros, Paranaque, Valenzuela, San Juan, and Pasig.

The provinces of Laguna and Bataan, as well as Cainta, Rizal; Bacoor, Cavite; Sta. Maria, Bocaue, Marilao, and Paombong, Bulacan; and Sasmuan, Pampanga have also declared classes in both public and private schools suspended in all levels.

The number coding scheme has also been lifted for the day by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority due to the bad weather. However, the Twitter account of the Makati City Government has confirmed that the coding scheme will still be implemented there.

(Photo by Daniel Go via Flickr Creative Commons)