Marikina river reaches alarm level 1

Aerial shot of Marikina river. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Water levels in Marikina river reached alarm level one Sunday evening, as rains spawned by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm “Maring” (international name Trami) pelted Metro Manila.

Water level was at 15 meters as of 7:14 p.m., the Marikina public information office said.

All eight floodgates in Rosario were opened as of 7:55 p.m., as water levels in Marikina river reached 15.4 meters.

Alarm level one means at least 15 meters above sea level. In alarm level two, there is at least 16 meters above sea level which calls for “preparedness;” Alarm level three is 17 meters above sea level and calls for “evacuation;” while critical level or at least 18 meters above sea level calls for “forced evacuation.”

Maring intensified into a storm Sunday afternoon while monsoon rains are prevailing all over the country.