Marikina River update: 2nd alarm up

MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina River is now under second alarm as waters reached 16 meters, the local government said.

The Marikina Public Information Office, in a Facebook post, said that all flood gates in Manggahan Floodway are now open as the second alarm was announced at 6:45 a.m.

Normal water level is 14.9 meters and below, while the first alarm will be triggered when the water level reaches 15 meters, second alarm at 16 meters, and third alarm at 18 meters.

Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) , last spotted 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, is packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa).

Pagasa also said Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, which is expected to trigger heavy rains in many parts of the country.