Typhoon Vamco Floods Metro Manila

PHILIPPINES. Manila. Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) hit Metro Manila on 12 November 2020. The third storm to hit the Philippines following super typhoon Goni and typhoon Atsani. Thus, it flooded and crippled several cities in the metropolitan area.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) report the eye of typhoon Vamco is found West of Iba, Zambales at 10:00 AM. It sustained a maximum wind speed of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) crossed near the center. Then, it moves with a maximum wind gust of 200 kph. Yet, it moves to the west at a speed of 25 kph.

The storm landfalls three times

First, typhoon Vamco made landfall on 11 November at 10:30 PM in Patnanungan, Quezon. PAGASA set a heavy rainfall warning number three at 11:00 PM. They expected it to cause a severe flood and may need immediate rescue response.

Then, the storm landfalls at 11:20 PM on the same day in Burdeos, Quezon. The typhoon Vamco caused the water levels in dams to rise. Therefore, the water dams released excess water to prevent overflow. This started with Ipo Dam at 12:30 AM but that could cause flooding in nearby areas.

Finally, typhoon Vamco made landfall at 1:40 AM on 12 November 2020 in General Nakar, Quezon. The third landfall winds intensified and caused a tropical cyclone warning at 2:00 AM. The strong wind tore roofs to pieces, brought down trees, drifted cargo vessels to the wall, and created a power blackout.

The last storm of the week caused additional destruction

Typhoon Vamco ends a streak of storms for this week. It followed super typhoon Goni and typhoon Atsani. Yet, PAGASA continues to monitor for incoming storms to hit the country.

However, typhoon Vamco left massive floods that sunk homes up to their roofs. Also, the rivers overflowed and caused raging floodwaters. Evacuations occurred for residences within the area to move them to a safer location.

Metro Manila left flooded from the heavy rains of typhoon Vamco. Veteran photojournalist Rhoy Cobilla reports his experience to Transcontinental Times. He said, “I went to cover the area in Kalentong and pass the unflooded areas first. Eventually, I rode a boat to get inside the flooded area.”