Photo Essay: Typhoon Ondoy transforms Metro Manila into a waterworld

An overlooked typhoon (Typhoon Ondoy a.k.a Ketsana) came wrecking Metro Manila’s urban areas and submerging cities around 25 feet under. NDCC reportedly said 80% of Metro Manila was covered by flood after “Ondoy” stormed the barely aware metropolis last Saturday (September 26), leaving thousands of trapped people struggling to survive and find rescue.
(photo provided by Philippine Air Force, image shows "suburban Cainta east of Manila submerged in floodwater on Sunday, Sept 27, 2009", image is from this link)



Image above is from this link. Shown here is the parking lot outside SM Sta. Mesa (MEZZA)submerged in floodwater, Sept. 26, 2009. Reports said water reached the 2nd level of the mall. The entire SM foodcourt and grocery store were submersed. Nearby residents reported seeing floating appliances and broken glasses around the area.



Image above is from this link. This is a before-after image of Magsaysay Boulevard in a period of 6 hours. This is a testament of how devastating Typhoon Ondoy was. Although winds weren't destructive, rainfall was nonstop and heavy. The entire path was covered with water. LRT and MRT continued its operations amidst the "epic" flood. The good thing is it was high enough that it didn't get submerged. LRT and MRT also announced a 24/7 operation on the same day.



Image above is from this link. Shown here is V. Mapa Station's Entrance, across SM Sta.Mesa, blocked by floodwater while 2 men examine the area. Hundreds of stranded passengers stayed inside the station, waiting for the flood to set down. Flood level peaked at around 6pm. Electricity went off and the station was totally dark. Passengers relied on their cellphones' built-in flashlights.




Photo(above) credits: Gen Laurel, Eloisa Hife, and KC Cruz . The 2 pictures shown above show PUP Mabini Campus partially covered by flood water. Hundreds of students and employees spent the entire night inside their classrooms and offices while waiting for the flood to set down.



Click here to see photo credits. Rescuers try to help a woman cross a flooded street in Quezon City using a rope while floodwaters course against their direction.



Photo above is from this link. Image was taken in suburban Quezon City. Here, a man balances on top of a submerged wall as floodwaters brought by Typhoon Ondoy ravage the area.



Image above is from this link. Residents of Marikina City struggle to get through the flood hand in hand as rescuers guide their path.




Improvised rafts transport commuters through the floodwaters for 50pesos/ride. Images above are from this link.



Floating cars were transported by floodwaters from one area to another like toys here in UERM, Manila. One woman struggles to get on top of her car as waters begin to consume the vehicles. This is a frame of the video caught by Camille Magno. To see the entire video, click here.



Image above is from this link. A woman battles against the raging waters while rescuers accompany her on her "plight". Also seen in this image are houses devoured by flood (only the roofs are visible).



Image is from this link. Two women scrape the floor after muddy waters consumed their houses.

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