"Marce" inundates most of Western Philippines

Rains have raged on for most of the last three days in the Western part of the Philippines, including Metro Manila, bringing about flooding and landslides in certain areas. 

In the capital, 93 centimeters of flood have been reported in the central business district of Makati, which has caused traffic buildup--stranding motorists and commuters.

At 11am, Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), has reported that typhoon "Marce" maintains its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph, as it continues to move north northwestward.

It is forecast to move North Northwest at 09 kph.

On Monday I was traveling along the South Expressway from Calamba to Bicutan.  As if the construction being done on the highway was not bad enough, the heavy rains added to my and the other motorists' struggle as we tried to negotiate the intermittent detours (with the inadequate lighting of the barriers) and faint visibility due to the downpour.

So my advice to motorists taking the SLEX, drive carefully and cautiously.

September 10, 4:30pm - And now, as I look out the window of our office in Makati City, I see flooding (again) on the streets which is putting traffic on a standstill.  Also present are makeshift boats transporting pedestrians from one side of the street across to the other.