Forced evacuation advised as Marikina River reaches critical level
MANILA, Philippines - Alert level 4 has been raised for Marikina River after its water level rose due to the heavy rains on Saturday.
The Marikina Public Information Office (PIO) said on its Twitter account that as of 4:45 p.m., the river's water level is currently at 18.4 meters.
#MarikinaRiver Water level UP to 18.4m as of 4:45 p.m.
— Marikina PIO (@MarikinaPIO) August 13, 2016
ALL 8 floodgates open.
All eight floodgates have been opened, the agency said.
Alert level 4 or the river’s critical level is at least 18 meters above sea level, which calls for “forced evacuation.”
The Marikina City government has started forced evacuation of residents on low-lying areas.
According to Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, 1,597 families or about 7,622 individuals were brought to various evacuation centers in the city.
State weather bureau PAGASA warned on Saturday morning that southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” is currently affecting Luzon and Western Visayas.
Metro Manila, Cavite, Bataan and Zambales will be most affected by the habagat as the weather bureau warned residents against possible flashfloods and landslides.
The La Mesa Dam in Quezon City was also placed in red alert on Saturday noon after non-stop torrential downpour since Friday. - with reports from Mike Frialde
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