The Philippine government was forced to suspend offices and classes in 14 provinces, including in the capital Metro Manila, as tropical storm Maring (international name: Trami) maintained its strength and continued to enhance the southwest monsoon early Monday. The state forecasting weather agency has advised the 14 provinces to brace for severe flooding.

Classes in the following provinces have been suspended:

  • Pangasinan
  • Benguet
  • Bataan
  • Zambales
  • Tarlac
  • Pampanga
  • Bulacan
  • Rizal
  • Laguna
  • Cavite
  • Batangas
  • Occidental
  • Mindoro
  • Metro Manila

Work in the Metro Manila-based government offices were likewise suspended, except those in disaster risk reduction and management, Manuel Quezon III, Philippine Undersecretary, announced on Monday.

"Severe flooding is expected. All are advised to take precautionary measures," the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

This, despite the absence of any public storm warning signal in areas affected by intense rains, including Metro Manila.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said tropical storm Maring (international name: Trami) was last spotted 550 kilometres east of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometres per hour near the centre and gusts of up to 90 kph.

Philippine netizens immediately resorted to posting photos on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook among others to update each other of flooding statuses in respective areas, using the hashtag #‎FloodPH.

Click on the slideshow to see some of the flood photos

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