Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu faced severe disruption on Monday, December 1, 2025, as intense rainfall triggered widespread flooding and brought vehicular movement to a near standstill. Knee-deep waters inundated key roads and residential areas, leading to significant challenges for commuters and residents alike.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Immediate Impact
According to Joseph Merlas, a weather specialist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas, the deluge was caused by a flare-up of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Lapu-Lapu City, along with Cordova and parts of Mandaue City, experienced torrential rainfall. The Mactan station recorded an extraordinary 114 millimeters (mm) of rain within that three-hour window.
Merlas emphasized that this intensity is highly unusual for December, noting it was the highest rainfall recorded for the month outside of a typhoon or similar weather system. Pagasa Visayas estimated the downpour was equivalent to roughly 570,000 drums of water per square kilometer.
City Paralyzed by Floodwaters and Traffic
The immediate consequences were severe. Floodwaters swamped low-lying communities, with incidents reported in Barangays Basak, Ibo, Pajo, and Pajac. A section of the vital General Aviation Road was submerged, crippling traffic flow. Observations confirmed that vehicle movement slowed dramatically across the city, with some motorists stranded in traffic delays lasting two to three hours.
The flooding also forced the cancellation of classes at Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base Elementary School, as seen in a video shared with SunStar Cebu. Furthermore, a waterspout was reported in Barangay Punta Engaño during the heavy rains, adding to the day's extreme weather events.
Government Response and Health Advisory
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan swiftly ordered the deployment of response teams. Personnel from the City Engineering Office and local Barangay Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Offices conducted declogging, desilting, and dewatering operations using submersible pumps. The City Traffic Management System was deployed to manage the gridlock.
“The City Government is doing everything possible to restore normal conditions and assist affected communities,” Mayor Chan stated. She also requested additional equipment for flood response and apologized to affected motorists and households, assuring that no lives were at risk.
Following the event, Lone District Rep. Junard 'Ahong' Chan advised residents in flooded areas to visit their local barangay health centers to receive medication for leptospirosis prevention.
Looking ahead, Pagasa forecasts a return of hot weather over the next three days as the cloud clusters move away. The event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing volatility of local weather patterns.
