(08/20/2013) MANILA, Philippines – SM malls are open to serve as a temporary shelter for flood victims, according to SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia.

In an interview with ANC, Garcia said as early as Sunday, some flood victims have sought refuge at SM malls in Manila, Marikina and Sta. Mesa.

“We’ve had hundreds of families that have stayed there overnight. They left their cars in the carpark… We left the mall open, where they can be seated, watch TV news. We fed them and had a nurse there just in case anyone needed medical assistance,” she said.

Many residents in flooded areas have brought their cars to the shopping malls’ multi-level parking buildings.

Despite the heavy rains and floods, SM Supermalls have remained open, although operating on a skeletal force.

“All of our malls are areas where people can come and converge. We can keep them safe and dry for as long as possible… We keep our malls open for public service. This is something we need to do for the communities we serve,” Garcia added.

The Office of Civil Defense on Tuesday said 50-60% of the National Capital Region has been affected by floods due to intense rainfall. More than half a million people — 601,104 individuals — are affected by the floods.