MANILA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Henry pounded Philippines' capital of Metro Manila on Tuesday, prompting suspension of classes and government work in the city.
Romeo Cabantac, director of the Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region, said the all-day long rain flooded some areas in Metro Manila and the water level of Marikina River in eastern Manila reached 16 meters above sea level on Tuesday afternoon.
Cabantac said the local government already issued a warning and advised residents living in the low-lying areas near the river to leave.
"They were advised to leave. This is not yet a forced evacuation," Cabantac said. But he insisted the flooding situations in Metro Manila were "manageable". There were so far no reports of casualties due to the tropical storm.
Tropical Storm Henry made a landfall in the Northern Philippines, brought heavy rains and floods to several areas, including Metro Manila.
Because of the inclement weather, the Philippine presidential office has suspended classes in all public schools and work in the executive branch of the government in Metro Manila starting from 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Several flights in the Northern Philippines have been canceled due to the tropical storm, Philippines Airport authorities said.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Tropical Storm Henry was leaving the Philippines with a speed of 45 km per hour.
