Forced evacuation ordered as Marikina River hits critical level

MANILA, Philippines – Forced evacuation is enforced as Marikina River reached its critical level Tuesday afternoon.

“[Marikina river] alarm is now sounding for 18 [meters] water level as of 2:45p.m. FORCED EVACUATION,” the Marikina public information office said in its Twitter account.

As of 12:22p.m., there were already 2,630 evacuees sheltered in Nangka Elementary School.

Critical level or at least 18 meters above sea level calls for forced evacuation. 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.”