Stubborn Marikina residents pose problem for rescuers

This handout photo taken on August 8, 2012 and released by the Department of National Defense (DND) shows an aerial shot of floodings around Marikina town, suburban Manila. More than a million people in and around the Philippine capital battled deadly floods August 8, as more monsoon rain fell, with neck-deep waters trapping both slum dwellers and the wealthy on rooftops. AFP PHOTO/DND

MANILA, Philippines — Rescuers struggled to save on Thursday evacuees in Marikina who returned to their homes Wednesday night even as the water level of the city’s river rose to 20.6 meters above sea level.

Residents went back to their homes after the water level of the river was reported to have gone down to 18.9 meters and as a result, many are now stranded due to rising floods.

Records from the city government show that 6,774 families or 40,929 persons have been housed in 22 evacuation centers since midnight.

Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman also suspended classes in all levels Thursday.