Aerial view and more photos of the monsoon floods

Several provinces are now under a state of calamity, following days of torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon.

As of Wednesday, these areas are now under state of calamity: Obando, Bulacan; Bataan; Laguna; Pampanga; Cainta, Rizal; Valenzuela City; Malabon City; San Mateo, Rizal; Muntinlupa City; Province of Zambales.

A state of calamity declaration would allow the release and use of emergency funds, especially for rescue and relief efforts.

In areas under a state of calamity, the government will also control the prices of basic commodities, a Cabinet official said.

"Price control is automatically imposed when an area in a state of calamity so traders cannot take advantage of the situation," Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said.

For more stories: See Flood Watch