Rescuers try to reach trapped residents in Marikina subdivision

Rescue volunteers carry to safety a resident of Provident village in Marikina City on Tuesday as raising waters of Marikina river overflows in the village. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Rescue teams are working to reach residents stranded in their homes in a middle class subdivision in Marikina even as the water level in the city’s river lowers slightly.

But radio reports said rescue was proving to be difficult for members of the police and army due to the floodwaters and strong current in some parts of Provident Village.

Those trapped in their homes were evacuees who went back after the water level in the Marikina River receded to about 18 meters.

Heavy rains late Wednesday night caused the river’s water level to rise again to 20.6 meters before going down slightly to 20.4 meters above sea level as of 7:35 a.m. Thursday.