MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon 'Ulysses' (Vamco) stoked tragic memories of 2009's tropical storm 'Ondoy' (Ketsana) as it also triggered severe flooding in Metro Manila and other Luzon areas overnight.
With maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 195 km/h, Typhoon 'Ulysses' induced heavy rains from Wednesday evening to Thursday, November 12.
It made three landfall in Quezon province before heading to central Luzon. But due to the heavy downpour, it caused the water levels of major dams to rise to critical state.
SEE ALSO: Jericho Rosales, Kim Jones help rescue operations in Marikina
With maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 195 km/h, Typhoon 'Ulysses' induced heavy rains from Wednesday evening to Thursday, November 12.
It made three landfall in Quezon province before heading to central Luzon. But due to the heavy downpour, it caused the water levels of major dams to rise to critical state.
SEE ALSO: Jericho Rosales, Kim Jones help rescue operations in Marikina
'Ulysses' also caused a lot of damage to many areas, particularly Marikina and Rizal. Many are even comparing it with 'Ondoy' which brought plenty of floods.
As 'Ulysses' immediately followed several typhoons, the land is still saturated with so much water. Thus, it was easier for many areas to experience devastating floods.
“Ito kasing si Ulysses, ilang bagyo na kasi ang dumaan bago ito dumaan. So, 'yung lupa, maging sa Sierra Madre ay babad na babad na. Saturated na kaya kaunting ulan lamang ay nagkakaroon ng ng run-off,” explained Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, GMA's resident meteorologist.
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said that Marikina River has risen to 22 meters as of 11 am on Thursday, November 12. This is much higher than Ondoy’s 21.5–meter level. About a month’s worth of rain was dumped unto the area, causing floods that reached the tops of houses and various buildings.
“Nakakatakot dahil parang Ondoy ang karanasan namin dito, dahil 'yung Ondoy, ganito rin nangyari – habang natutulog ang lahat, biglang tumaas ang ilog,” the mayor said.
“Mas malakas po ang bagyong Rolly kaysa sa bagyong Ulysses pero ang pinsala mas nagiging matindi dahil hindi ka pa nakakabangon, heto na naman po.”
Across social media, plenty of photos showed houses deep in flood waters. The authorities spent hours rescuing stranded residents and pets, many of whom have been trapped on the roofs of their homes.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
As 'Ulysses' immediately followed several typhoons, the land is still saturated with so much water. Thus, it was easier for many areas to experience devastating floods.
“Ito kasing si Ulysses, ilang bagyo na kasi ang dumaan bago ito dumaan. So, 'yung lupa, maging sa Sierra Madre ay babad na babad na. Saturated na kaya kaunting ulan lamang ay nagkakaroon ng ng run-off,” explained Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, GMA's resident meteorologist.
TINGNAN: Nag-overflow din ang Pasig River sa Malago PSG Compound kung saan nakatira si Presidente Rodrigo Duterte. | via PTV #UlyssesPH
Posted by The Summit Express on Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said that Marikina River has risen to 22 meters as of 11 am on Thursday, November 12. This is much higher than Ondoy’s 21.5–meter level. About a month’s worth of rain was dumped unto the area, causing floods that reached the tops of houses and various buildings.
Humihingi ng tulong ang marami nating kababayan sa Marikina, Rizal at iba pang lugar dahil sa matinding pagbaha na tila parang 'Ondoy'. Let's pray for their safety. 🙏 #UlyssesPH #RescuePH
Posted by The Summit Express on Wednesday, November 11, 2020
“Nakakatakot dahil parang Ondoy ang karanasan namin dito, dahil 'yung Ondoy, ganito rin nangyari – habang natutulog ang lahat, biglang tumaas ang ilog,” the mayor said.
“Mas malakas po ang bagyong Rolly kaysa sa bagyong Ulysses pero ang pinsala mas nagiging matindi dahil hindi ka pa nakakabangon, heto na naman po.”
Tulong po dito kami montalban rizal
Posted by Arah Olalia Abad on Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Across social media, plenty of photos showed houses deep in flood waters. The authorities spent hours rescuing stranded residents and pets, many of whom have been trapped on the roofs of their homes.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
