PHThousands evacuate as Marikina River reaches third alarm
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate after the Marikina River reached third alarm on Saturday.
Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro told CNN Philippines that as of 6 p.m., 800 families or 5,000 individuals have left their homes. The city has 13 designated evacuation centers, he added.
"Nagforced evacuation tayo para habang accessible pa yung mga area, makalabas pa yung mga tao (We implemented forced evacuation so they can leave while they can)," Teodoro said.
He said rescue operations are ongoing, as floods of up to four feet high trapped residents in certain areas.
The water level in Marikina River reached 18 meters above sea level at 4:57 p.m., prompting local officials to raise the third alarm.
This means the local government's disaster response unit will implement forced evacuations of residents along the river.
The river quickly rose Saturday afternoon due to heavy downpour, flooding several areas in the city.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has also raised red rainfall warning over Metro Manila and Rizal province, warning of serious flooding in these areas.
Two weather disturbances outside the country are enhancing southwest monsoon that is causing the inclement weather, PAGASA said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate after the Marikina River reached third alarm on Saturday.
Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro told CNN Philippines that as of 6 p.m., 800 families or 5,000 individuals have left their homes. The city has 13 designated evacuation centers, he added.
"Nagforced evacuation tayo para habang accessible pa yung mga area, makalabas pa yung mga tao (We implemented forced evacuation so they can leave while they can)," Teodoro said.
He said rescue operations are ongoing, as floods of up to four feet high trapped residents in certain areas.
The water level in Marikina River reached 18 meters above sea level at 4:57 p.m., prompting local officials to raise the third alarm.
This means the local government's disaster response unit will implement forced evacuations of residents along the river.
The river quickly rose Saturday afternoon due to heavy downpour, flooding several areas in the city.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has also raised red rainfall warning over Metro Manila and Rizal province, warning of serious flooding in these areas.
Two weather disturbances outside the country are enhancing southwest monsoon that is causing the inclement weather, PAGASA said.
