MANILA -- Hundreds of families in depressed communities and low-lying areas in Manila were relocated to safer grounds at the height of typhoon Frank on Sunday.

According to Manila Police District director, Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales, some 400 families from Parola Compound, Baseco and Isla Puting Bato were taken to schools and evacuation centers, including the Delpan Sports Complex and Atienza Elementary School in Tondo.

He said the displaced families were given food and medical assistance by the city government, particularly the local social welfare office.

Several areas in Manila were also submerged in floodwaters, including R. Papa, United Nations, Taft and Rizal Avenues, Quezon Boulevard, Dimasalang, Espana, Laon-Laan, A. Mabini, Kalaw, Ermita, Pedro Gil, Abad Santos, C.M Recto, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard.

"Some of these areas were submerged from knee to waist-deep floodwaters making them impassable to light vehicles," Rosales said, as he added that on Sunday morning, he already directed the city's station commanders to continually monitor the situation in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

As of Sunday afternoon, no typhoon-related casualties were reported in the city, the police official added.

Few taxicabs and passenger jeeps were seen plying their routes at the height of the rains, leaving many people stranded and drenched as their umbrellas and raincoats were no match for strong winds. Some people opted to walk and wade in floodwaters along Taft Avenue in Manila to get to their destination.

On the other hand, passenger buses recklessly crossed lanes along busy Taft Avenue in Manila.

But if some considered the typhoon a curse, pedicab drivers took it as a blessing as they offered to ferry stranded passengers at triple the fare.

Some establishments, including eateries and fast-food restaurants, in Manila, were closed at the height of the typhoon.

Cigarette, newspaper and community tax certificate vendors along United Nations Avenue opted not to do business for the day because of the heavy downpour.

"Mababasa lang ang paninda ko, lugi pa. Isa pa baha, wala ding makakalapit sa akin dito (My products would just get wet. I would not earn and besides, nobody could come near me because of the flood]," said Myrna Bolanas, 54, a resident of Tondo Manila. "Sana bukas wala nang ulan, walang pambaon sa eskwela ang mga apo ko e." [Hopefully, there will be no more rains on Monday, otherwise, my grandchildren will not have money to use at school.]