Manila, Sept. 4 -- The government continues to address severe flooding in low-lying and high-risk areas through the Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) initiative, despite nonstop heavy rains brought by the "habagat" (southwest monsoon) season.

Prior to the onset of the rainy season, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had ordered the intensification of the OKB to protect communities, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a news release Friday.

The OKB includes the operation of pumping stations and the deployment of additional personnel and equipment, as well as the clearing, desilting and dredging of critical waterways.

Operations are ongoing in Metro Manila, the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions, Tarlac, Naga in Camarines Sur,...