Severe Flooding Renders Manila Expressway Impassable

Aug 31, 2026

72 min

Aug 31, 2026 06:31

Manila expressway 'impassable' to small vehicles as of Aug. 31, up to 6 ft of floodwaters hit low-lying areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac

## Heavy Flooding in Central Luzon

As of August 31, severe flooding has made the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Manila impassable to small vehicles. The flooding, caused by persistent monsoon rains, has severely affected the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. These areas have experienced up to six feet of floodwaters, leading to significant disruptions.

## State of Calamity Declared

The continuous heavy rainfall has led to a state of calamity being declared in several provinces north of Manila. Key infrastructure, including two bridges in Tarlac City, has been damaged. The weather bureau, Pagasa, has issued a red rainfall warning for several localities in Pampanga, indicating the potential for serious flooding.

## Public Outcry and Protests

In response to the flooding and alleged corruption in flood-control projects, hundreds of residents, farmers, and fisherfolk staged protests in Malolos. The protest, known as “Kilos Bulacan,” saw participants demanding accountability and a review of reclamation projects believed to exacerbate flooding.

## Economic Impact

The flooding has caused extensive damage, with Bulacan reporting losses of approximately ₱320.28 million, including significant infrastructure damage. Many communities remain submerged, and thousands of residents have been displaced.

## Government Response

President Marcos has acknowledged the complexity of the flooding issue, citing climate change and the unprecedented strength of the rains as contributing factors. The administration is considering long-term solutions, including the construction of river dams and a dike road along Manila Bay, to mitigate future flooding risks.

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