Over 800 evacuated as Marikina river reaches second alarm

MANILA, Philippines — Over 800 persons living along the Marikina river were evacuated as water levels reached alarm level two late Sunday night.

As of 11 p.m., there were 79 families or 400 persons evacuated in Bulelak gym, Marikina’s public information office said.

At Nangka Elementary School, there were 23 families or 115 persons evacuated.

At Concepcion Integrated School, there were 16 families or 68 persons evacuated, while H. Bautista Elementary School housed 43 families or 229 persons.

As of 11:06 p.m., the water level in Marikina river was at alarm level two, or 16.1 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.”

All eight floodgates of Rosario Weir in Pasig City were opened to due to rising waters in Marikina river.

The state weather bureau also said that Marikina Watershed areas reached critical levels particularly in Montalban, Nangka and Sto.Niño.

Classes in Marikina were also suspended Monday in all levels, both public and private.

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