Man swept away by swollen Marikina River

A 30-year old man was reportedly swept away Thursday afternoon by the Marikina River which had swollen due to intermittent heavy rain over the past few days.

Jozar Fazon was reportedly picking vegetables along the banks of the waterway when strong currents carried him away, a report of Radyo Inquirer 990 AM said.

Authorities have launched search and rescue operations for Fazon. The Philippine Red Cross also sent a boat to help in the effort.

The Marikina Public Information Office said the water level at the Marikina river was at 14 meters as of 2 p.m.

It said two of the eight floodgates of the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City had been opened to prevent the river from overflowing its banks. Nestor Corrales with reports from Jong Manlapaz, Radyo Inquirer 990AM