MANILA - Heavy rains have been pouring nonstop in Metro Manila and Luzon provinces since early this morning. Several areas in the metro are now severely flooded with major roads impassable such as the Skyway, Magallanes and EDSA Roxas just before 8 this morning. Weather bureau PAGASA raised its red rainfall advisory in Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Zambales, Cavite, Bataan, Pampanga and Occidental Mindoro. This means torrential rains and serious flooding in low lying areas. The rains are still due to the southwest monsoon, which is being enhanced by Tropical Storm Maring. Classes have been suspended in all levels, private and public, in nearly all areas experiencing rains. Malacañang also announced this morning the suspension of work in all government offices in Metro Manila except in agencies involved in disaster response. Trading at the Philippine Stock Exchange also remains suspended. Meanwhile, La Mesa Dam is on red alert and officials say it may be in danger of overflowing if the rains do not let up. ANC, August 20, 2013
