Heavy rains at the start of December triggered widespread flooding across several parts of the city on Monday morning, causing hours-long traffic and affecting residents in low-lying areas.
Floodwaters quickly rose in barangays Basak, Ibo, and Buaya, leaving vehicles struggling to move through submerged streets.
PAGASA Mactan weather specialist Joseph Merlas said intense thunderstorms brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) caused the severe flooding after the system shifted over the Visayas.
Within just three hours, Lapu-Lapu City recorded 114 millimeters of rain—an unusually large volume even without a typhoon. The same weather system also affected parts of Cordova and Mandaue City.
PAGASA said this amount was equivalent to around 570,000 drums of water per square kilometer, overwhelming drainage systems.
“Kusug-kusug gyud to siya,” Merlas said, noting that such torrential rainfall in a short period is uncommon.
Clearer weather is expected from December 2 over the next three days as the ITCZ shifts toward Mindanao.
However, cloud clusters outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) may develop into a Low Pressure Area (LPA) within 24 to 48 hours, potentially bringing rains by December 5.
Merlas said the LPA could possibly intensify into Tropical Cyclone “Wilma,” the year’s 23rd storm, though he emphasized the forecast may still change as the system develops.
City officials said response teams mobilized immediately after the unusually heavy rainfall.
Mayor Cindi King-Chan, in a statement, said the downpour coincided with high tide, worsening flooding in several areas.
Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices and the City Engineering Office carried out declogging, desilting, and dewatering operations, while the city sought additional equipment from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 6th Engineering District.
Traffic personnel were also deployed to manage congestion.
“We ask for everyone’s patience as we continue addressing the effects of this morning’s severe weather,” the mayor said.
Lone District Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan apologized to affected motorists and residents, describing the rains as so strong that even areas not usually prone to flooding experienced inundation.
“Di mabangbang ang kakusog sa gitagak nga uwan,” he said, noting that the 114mm logged was close to the 183mm recorded during Typhoon Tino.
He assured the public that no lives were placed in danger and advised those exposed to floodwaters to visit health centers for leptospirosis prophylaxis.
Both officials urged Oponganons to remain vigilant and follow weather updates as monitoring continues. (VCL)
Thumbnail Photo: Doyzkie Buenaviaje
