Metro Manila Grinds to a Halt: Dozens of Cities Suspend Classes as Typhoon Inday and Habagat Unleash Fury

Byline: Staff Correspondent
Date: July 9, 2026

In a swift response to deteriorating weather conditions, several local government units across Metro Manila have announced the suspension of face-to-face classes for Thursday, July 10, as Typhoon Inday—fueled by the southwest monsoon, or habagat—dumps heavy rains over the capital region. The move, confirmed by the Manila Bulletin and other major outlets, affects both public and private schools, with officials urging residents to prioritize safety over academic schedules.

A City on Pause

The suspensions come as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised alert levels for Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. Typhoon Inday, which has intensified over the Philippine Sea, is expected to bring sustained winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and rainfall accumulations of 100 to 200 millimeters within a 24-hour period. Combined with the seasonal habagat, the storm system is triggering flash floods, landslides, and dangerous travel conditions.

Key cities that have suspended face-to-face classes include:

• Quezon City – All levels, public and private
• Manila – Elementary to senior high school
• Makati – All schools, including universities
• Pasig – Pre-school to senior high school
• Taguig – All levels
• Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela – Various levels

In a statement, the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office noted: “The safety of our students and teachers is paramount. We advise everyone to stay indoors and monitor official updates from PAGASA and local authorities.”

Heightened Alert and Emergency Response

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been placed on heightened alert across the National Capital Region and nearby provinces. PNP Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ordered all personnel to be ready for deployment in flood-prone areas, evacuation centers, and major thoroughfares. “We are coordinating with local disaster offices to ensure swift response to any emergency,” Azurin said in a press briefing.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed flood control teams and rescue assets to strategic locations. Traffic enforcers are on standby to manage road closures and reroute vehicles as needed.

Context: A Familiar Pattern

This suspension is not an isolated event. Metro Manila has a long history of class cancellations during the rainy season, particularly when typhoons align with the habagat. In 2024, similar suspensions affected over 2 million students across the region during Typhoon Enteng. The current scenario echoes that pattern, but with a key difference: the frequency of such events appears to be increasing.

Climate data from PAGASA indicates that the Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually, with 8 to 9 making landfall. However, recent years have seen stronger storms and more erratic rainfall, a trend linked to rising sea surface temperatures and climate change. For Metro Manila—a densely populated megacity with aging drainage systems—this means heightened vulnerability.

Analysis: Beyond the Classroom

The suspension of face-to-face classes, while necessary, carries significant implications. For one, it disrupts the academic calendar, forcing schools to shift to modular or online learning—a system that remains unevenly accessible. According to the Department of Education, about 30% of students in Metro Manila lack reliable internet access, making remote learning a challenge.

Economically, the closures also affect working parents, many of whom must scramble for childcare or take unpaid leave. Small businesses near schools, such as canteens and tutorial centers, lose daily income.

On a broader scale, the PNP’s heightened alert underscores the strain on emergency services. With hospitals already dealing with seasonal illnesses like dengue and leptospirosis—both of which spike during heavy rains—the additional burden of weather-related incidents could test the region’s resilience.

What’s Next?

PAGASA forecasts that Typhoon Inday will continue to intensify over the next 24 hours before possibly making landfall in the Cagayan Valley region. For Metro Manila, the worst of the rains is expected to persist through Friday morning. Local governments are advising residents to prepare emergency kits, avoid flooded areas, and stay tuned to official channels.

As one Quezon City resident put it: “We’re used to this by now, but it never gets easier. You just hope everyone stays safe.”

In the coming days, the focus will shift to recovery and assessment. But for now, the message is clear: stay home, stay dry, and stay informed.