Torrential monsoon rain has triggered deadly landslides and widespread flooding across Luzon, forcing thousands of people from their homes as rivers and reservoirs reach dangerous levels.
An enhanced Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, has brought days of relentless rain to the Philippines, causing severe flooding, landslides, evacuations and infrastructure damage across Luzon.
At least eight people were confirmed dead following a landslide in Baguio City, while three remained missing as of Monday evening, August 10. Metro Manila, Pampanga, Zambales, Bulacan, Pangasinan and several northern provinces have also reported extensive flooding.
PAGASA said Habagat would continue bringing rain to Luzon and the western Visayas on Tuesday, August 11, despite signs that the monsoon may gradually become less intense.
Lagpas gutter-deep na baha, nararanasan sa bahagi ng Banawe at N.S. Amoranto Street sa Quezon City. | via Carlo Mateo @SurfaceCarlo pic.twitter.com/ID58WwyE5O
— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 10, 2026
Typhoon Dolphin strengthened the monsoon
Habagat is a seasonal southwesterly flow that carries warm, moisture-rich air from the South China Sea and surrounding waters toward the western Philippines.
The circulation around Typhoon Dolphin, which remained outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility before striking eastern China, helped pull additional tropical moisture toward Luzon. This strengthened the monsoon and allowed bands of heavy rain to repeatedly cross the same areas.
Even though Dolphin did not make landfall in the Philippines, its influence on the wider wind pattern contributed to prolonged rainfall hundreds of kilometres from the typhoon’s centre.
WATCH: A house in Purok 3, Gibraltar, Baguio City was left hanging on the edge of a slope after soil erosion caused by continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) on Sunday, August 9.
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 10, 2026
Authorities have placed temporary barriers and tarpaulins around the affected… pic.twitter.com/gKn1ogAT9k
Baguio City received approximately 1,143.2 mm (45 inches) of rain between August 5 and the morning of August 10. This is more than many locations receive during several weeks of the rainy season.
The saturated ground gave way in Barangay Guisad Surong in Baguio City on Sunday, August 9, burying homes beneath mud and debris.
By Monday evening, authorities had confirmed eight deaths. Three people remained missing and two had been rescued alive, according to the Baguio City Public Information Office.
Search operations continued despite unstable ground and difficult weather conditions.
The Office of Civil Defense had already urged tourists to postpone travel to Baguio. Several attractions, including Burnham Park and nearby strawberry farms, were flooded, while farmers reported serious damage to lettuce and strawberry crops.
Thousands evacuated around Metro Manila
In Quezon City, approximately 5,200 residents were staying in evacuation centres on Monday. More than 2,000 people sought shelter at Bagong Silangan Elementary School after floodwaters rose above an adult’s height in nearby communities.
The Marikina River reached 17.3 metres (56.8 feet) on Sunday before temporarily falling. It rose back to 16 metres (52.5 feet) early Monday, prompting authorities to restore the second alarm and evacuate residents from vulnerable areas.
FORCED EVACUATION SA BRGY. NORTH FAIRVIEW, QC
— GMA News (@gmanews) August 10, 2026
Nagpatupad ng forced evacuation sa Sitio Uno, Barangay North Fairview sa Quezon City kagabi, August 10, 2026.
Pinasok ng tubig ang unang palapag ng mga bahay, tumaas kasi ang antas ng tubig sa Tullahan River dahil umapaw ang La Mesa… pic.twitter.com/ZKA3EbPKwW
Flooding also affected Manila, Malabon, Las Piñas, Parañaque and other parts of the National Capital Region. In Manila, 837 people from 239 families moved into evacuation centres.
La Mesa Dam reached 80.17 metres (263 feet) on Monday afternoon, exceeding its 80.15-metre spilling level. PAGASA warned that overflow could affect communities along the Tullahan River in Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas.
Floods spread across Luzon
In Pampanga, at least 17 towns and approximately 250 barangays were affected by persistent flooding. Communities reported damage to homes, businesses and local tourism operations.
Nearly 640 people were evacuated in Nueva Ecija and Olongapo City. In Zambales, more than 2,600 residents left their homes, over 20 houses were damaged and power outages affected several communities.
Floodwaters in parts of Bulacan reached chest height and nearly reached the roofs of some homes. Heavy rain combined with high tide, slowing drainage and worsening flooding in low-lying communities.
Around 130,000 people in the Ilocos Region had been affected by Habagat and recent tropical cyclones. Swollen rivers damaged infrastructure, while residents in Pangasinan used sandbags to reinforce a damaged dike as the Sinocalan River rose above its critical level.
PANOORIN Sitwasyon sa kahabaan ng Calumpit- Hagonoy Provincial Road sa Bulacan ngayong Lunes ng umaga, ika-10 ng Agosto 2026. pic.twitter.com/F3wlnU28bH
— PIA Gitnang Luzon (@PIA_RIII) August 10, 2026
Further flooding remains possible
PAGASA maintained yellow rainfall warnings early Tuesday for parts of Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga and Batangas. Occidental Mindoro was also under a yellow warning, indicating that flooding and landslides remained possible.
Moderate to strong southwesterly winds will continue to produce rough coastal conditions around western Luzon and parts of the Visayas.
Residents should avoid flooded roads, riverbanks and unstable slopes. People in threatened communities should follow evacuation orders and monitor the latest warnings from PAGASA and local disaster authorities.
