Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Christopher Sitson

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1788137429561HRAGTxwaMAAkfKH (2).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The San Mateo local government unit (LGU) implemented forced evacuations for residents living in low-lying areas after rainfall caused the San Mateo-Batasan Bridge to reach the third alarm level last Saturday. <em>Courtesy: Jess Soriano via Christopher Sitson</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — More than 1,000 families remain in evacuation centers in Barangay Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal as floodwaters subside following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat).</p><p>The San Mateo local government unit (LGU) implemented forced evacuations for residents living in low-lying areas after rainfall caused the San Mateo-Batasan Bridge to reach the third alarm level last Saturday.</p><p>At San Mateo Elementary School—one of the primary evacuation sites—authorities have recorded 802 families, comprising 2,259 individuals.</p><p>While floodwaters have receded in most parts of the barangay, residents have yet to return home as they begin clearing mud and debris from their flood-affected houses.</p><p>“Maglinis po napakahirap. Akala mo hindi na babalik yung tubig, minsan bumabalik pa rin,” said resident Maricel Gianan. She also expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions, adding, “Sana huwag na po kurakutin yung mga binibigay na pangpagawa nang tama.”</p><p>Residents recalled the rapid rise of floodwaters during Saturday&#x27;s heavy downpour.</p><p>“Ang bilis po ng alon ng ilog, una po naming nililikas yung mga bata,” said fellow resident Merly Relonsillo.</p><p>“Sobrang bilis po ng tubig, yun talaga yung na-experience ko nakakatakot talaga. Noong Sabado, lagpas tao po. May pangamba, takot, kasi pwede po maanod yung mga bahay. Taon-taon [na po ito] pero mas malala po ngayon,” said Marilou Barayuga, a volunteer barangay health worker.</p><p>The LGU, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and private groups have provided initial relief aid. </p><p>However, local authorities and residents noted that evacuation centers remain open for further assistance.</p><p>“Sana matulungan nyo kami para sa relief goods. Mga pagkain, bigas, ulam, tsaka po delata, kape,” said Rosalie Mae Capati as families wait to safely restore their homes and resume normal lives.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cyGJvW2NpOc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>More than 1,000 families remain in evacuation centers in Barangay Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal as floodwaters subside following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon.</p>

More than 1,000 families remain in evacuation centers in Barangay Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal as floodwaters subside following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon.

'Mas malala ngayon': Over 1,000 families displaced in San Mateo, Rizal after Habagat flooding

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'Mas malala ngayon': Over 1,000 families displaced in San Mateo, Rizal after Habagat flooding

Christopher Sitson,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 31, 2026 08:53 AM PHT

Read More:

baha

san mateo

barangay sta. ana

habagat

southwest monsoon

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