Continuous heavy rainfall Aug. 17-18 caused significant flooding in several areas of the Philippines, impacting more than 150 sponsored families. The latest flooding follows severe weather that affected the region last week.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the National Capital Region recorded 201.7 millimeters (about 7.9 inches) of rainfall in just five hours on Monday, Aug. 17, which is equivalent to approximately one month’s average rainfall.
August is typically the peak of the Southwest Monsoon season, locally known as “Habagat,” when increased moisture can bring prolonged and heavy rainfall across the main island of Luzon.
August 18, 2026 | Disaster Response
Major flooding impacts over 150 Unbound families in the Philippines
Continued heavy rains in the Philippines displace families and prompt urgent recovery needs
By Tammy Marino
Local impact
In Quezon, five sponsored families from Nueva Ecija have been staying in an evacuation center for about two weeks because of continuous flooding. The flooding affected an additional five sponsored families from Quezon City who are dealing with the aftermath while preparing for possible evacuation.
In Antipolo, flooding has affected 78 sponsored families in the San Mateo and Montalban areas of Rizal Province. And in Manila, 64 sponsored families have been impacted while authorities have suspended work and school in affected areas.
“Despite these difficult conditions, our sponsored families are taking necessary precautions and preparing their belongings and important items so they can evacuate quickly if the situation worsens,” Teejay Cabrera, Unbound regional reporter, said.
A father and child clean up after floodwaters receded. They continue to prepare for possible evacuation in case more flooding occurs.
The current Habagat has been further intensified by two low pressure areas, one located inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and another just outside of it.
According to PAGASA, the unfavorable weather conditions are expected to continue for the next few days due to the prevailing monsoonal pattern and the presence of low pressure areas. Families in affected communities continue to monitor weather updates and prepare for additional flooding or evacuation.
Unbound volunteers, including the ERPAT fathers, are on standby and ready to assist in emergency rescue operations if needed. (ERPAT stands for Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Training.)
Unbound teams are also closely monitoring the situation of sponsored families living in flood-prone areas and working to address their safety and immediate needs. They remain alert and ready to respond if flooding worsens or emergency evacuations become necessary.
This latest heavy rainfall follows last week’s flooding caused by monsoon rains coinciding with Tropical Depression Luis and Tropical Cyclone Maymay, which also impacted families served by Unbound.
A basketball court illustrates the extent of the flooding, with water levels rising almost as high as the net.
How to help families affected by disaster
As reports continue to come in from the field and Unbound assesses the extent of families’ needs, here are steps sponsors and others can take now to help.
- • Pray. The Unbound community is keeping all those affected and those assisting with relief efforts in our prayers.
- • Donate to the Critical Needs Fund. The fund assists families in the aftermath of events such as floods, severe storms, earthquakes and fires.