Alert level 2 up as Marikina River swells’

Aerial shot of Marikina river. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Residents along the swelling Marikina river were warned to prepare for possible evacuation as alert level went up a notch while torrential rains continued to be dumped by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm Maring (international name Trami).

Water level was at 16.2 meters, placing it under alert level 2 as of 10:55a.m., the Marikina public information office said in its Twitter account.

Alert level 1  means the water in the river is at least 15 meters above sea level. In alarm level two, 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.”