Palace suspends work, classes in NCR, nearby provinces

9:40 AM Tuesday, Palace suspends work in PRIVATE offices in NCR, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan.

8:59 A.M. Meralco announces that it was switching off power in various areas badly hit by flooding in the National Capital Region for safety reasons.

8:57 A.M. Areas in Bataan are under water.

8:50 A.M: Landslide has been reported at the Batasan in Quezon City, with at least 4 houses affected, says Elmo San Diego of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center.

8:44 A.M. (Announced 3 AM) Government work has been suspended in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Office of the President announced Tuesday.

"Upon the recommendation of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and in view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by southwest monsoon (habagat), work in government offices and classes in college level in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal are hereby suspended today, 07 August 2012," the Palace said.

A boy wades waist-deep in floodwaters as he collects plastic scraps, to be sold, in Quezon City Metro Manila August …

TV reports now show that the heavy rains have placed many areas in the National Capital Region under water. The North Luzon Expressway-Balintawak area is already flooded, with traffic being diverted.

The Marikina river has also breached 19-meter level, prompting residents near the area to evacuate.

Heavy rains on Monday evening and La Mesa Dam's spill prompt local governments to suspend classes for Tuesday, as floods hit Quezon City, Valenzuela, and Malabon.