Marikina River water level subsiding; second alarm stays

(Arlene Lim/INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina River’s water level started to subside early Friday as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) moved farther away from the country’s landmass.

As of 2:00 a.m., the river’s water level was measured at 16.6 meters, according to the Marikina Public Information Office.

It is, however, still under the second alarm.

The water level as at 16.8 meters at 11:00 p.m.

The government can impose forced evacuation once the water level reaches  18 meters.

A water level of 21.5 meters was last reached in 2009 when Typhoon Ondoy whipped many parts of Luzon, according to Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

Last July, the water level reached 20.7 meters due to heavy rains triggered by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”