Moderate to heavy rain to pound Luzon provinces, Metro Manila

All eight floodgates of the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City–shown in photo during sunnier days–have reportedly been opened to ease pressure on the Marikina River by diverting water to Laguna de Bay. Days of moderate to heavy rain have raised the water level of the Marikina to 16.3 meters as of 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 14, 2016. GOOGLE MAPS

The state weather bureau said on Sunday that moderate to heavy rain would persist in the Ilocos Region, Metro Manila and at least six provinces due to the southwest monsoon (habagat).

Pagasa, in its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, identified the affected provinces as Benguet, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac and Zambales.

Meanwhile, the rest of Luzon will experience light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms.

Affected residents are advised to be vigilant of possible flash floods and landslides.

As of 11 a.m., La Mesa Dam remained under red alert as its water level reached 80.07 centimeters—eight centimeters shy of its overflow level, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

Forced evacuation has been recommended.

Meanwhile, residents of low-lying areas in Marikina City were evacuated as the Marikina River continued to rise.

As of 11:05 a.m., the river’s level was at 16.3 meters.

All eight floodgates of the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City have been opened, the Marikina City government said. The floodway eases pressure on the Marikina River by diverting water to Laguna de Bay. AJH/rga