Heavy downpours turned major streets in Cebu City into temporary rivers on Thursday, leaving numerous vehicles stranded and creating chaos for afternoon commuters.
The sudden flooding caught many drivers by surprise, with water levels rising rapidly across several key thoroughfares. Several cars were seen partially submerged as murky water flowed through what were normally busy roads.
Traffic Gridlock Across the City
Commuters faced significant delays as multiple routes became impassable. Public utility vehicles were forced to reroute, leaving passengers stranded at various points throughout the city. The flooding created a domino effect on traffic flow, with congestion reported in areas that normally experience smooth travel during afternoon hours.
Emergency Response Activated
Local authorities quickly mobilized to assist stranded motorists and manage the traffic situation. Emergency personnel were deployed to critical areas to ensure public safety and help redirect vehicles away from the most severely affected zones.
Weather experts attributed the flooding to the intense rainfall concentrated over urban areas, combined with the city's drainage systems being overwhelmed by the volume of water.
Precautionary Measures Advised
Officials are reminding residents to exercise caution during heavy rainfall and to avoid driving through flooded areas. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of urban flooding in densely populated cities during the rainy season.
As cleanup operations begin, authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and stand ready to respond to any further developments throughout the evening.