Want to know where flooded roads are? MMDA's 136 hotline will tell you

MANILA, Philippines — Motorists traversing Metro Manila during heavy rains can now directly call MMDA hotline 136 for real-time road and flood updates, especially this rainy season, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicholas Torre III. The hotline is part of the agency’s efforts to improve emergency response and public access to information following the widespread flooding experienced across Metro Manila last year. During a press conference at The Manila Hotel on Friday, Torre told The Manila Times that motorists no longer have to rely solely on Facebook posts to check road conditions or flooded areas. Past MMDA flood advisories usually indicate whether roads are passable to light vehicles, not passable to light vehicles, or not passable to all types of vehicles during flooding incidents. “As part of strengthening Metrobase 136, we improved our social media positioning. That is real-time, and if you have questions and want real-time answers, call 136 and we will answer you,” Torre said. Asked if motorists could directly ask whether specific roads were flooded or passable, Torre answered: “Yes. If they want to call about it, we will answer you.” To use the service, motorists simply need to dial 136 from a mobile phone or landline and ask Metrobase operators about real-time flood conditions, road passability, or alternate routes across Metro Manila. The MMDA said the hotline was 24/7 and free. The agency’s Metrobase command center monitors major roads through NCAP CCTV cameras and coordinates with field personnel for on-ground validation and response. Torre said the first major rains in May exposed remaining weaknesses in Metro Manila’s flood control system despite pre-rainy season cleanup and inspections, which is why the MMDA is encouraging motorists traversing the capital during heavy rains to maximize hotline 136 and its real-time flood advisories. The MMDA chief also urged motorists to monitor the agency’s official Facebook page, where flood advisories and road passability updates were posted in real time.

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