Heavy rains brought by tropical storm “Ondoy” flooded Philippine capital Manila and its sounding areas, causing some domestic flights to get canceled and traffic paralyzed on Saturday.

A Filipino pushes his tricycle in a flooded street in Metro Manila, capital of the Philippines, Sept. 26, 2009. Typhoon Ondoy made landfall in the eastern coast of the northern Philippines on Saturday, bringing rains that caused widespread flooding in many parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila. (Xinhua/Xu Lingui)

An initial report of the government’s National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said at least 493 people in Metro Manila have been evacuated so far while 260 families in Rizal were affected by flooding.

Government-run dzRB radio reported floods were chest-deep in San Isidro village in Antipolo City, while floods also threatened residents in Marikina City.

Meanwhile, at least four domestic flights were canceled since 6 a.m., including flights of Zest Air to and from Manila to San Josein Mindoro; and to and from Manila and Caticlan in Aklan.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet