Manila experienced the worst flooding in 42 years due to Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) on 26 September which brought a rainfall level equal to an entire one-month average. The typhoon sent many residents in Rizal province, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City and other nearby flooded areas in Luzon to the roofs of their homes, as water swamped an estimated 80% of 'Metro' Manila. The government has declared a "state of calamity" in metropolitan Manila and 25 storm-hit provinces, including many that have not been flooded before.
SOS Children's Villages Philippines is offering its support through the distribution of relief goods to the affected families in Muntinlupa City, where SOS Children's Village Manila is located. About 627 families are now temporarily housed at the Alabang Elementary School. Food (rice, milk, biscuits, noodles, bread, etc.), blankets, soap and medicines are the immediate needs of almost 2,500 individuals. Staff from the national office and the SOS Children's Village in Manila are currently gathering these relief goods and will distribute it to the victims within this week.