Marikina River overflows; 323 evacuated

At least 55 families or 323 people were evacuated to higher ground in Marikina City Saturday after the Marikina River overflowed due to heavy rains brought about by tropical depression “Hanna.”

Local policemen and rescue workers directed the families living along the riverbanks and low-lying barangays to leave their homes after the river’s water level rose to 17 meters at 6 p.m. The normal water level at the Marikina River is 12 meters.

Marikina police chief Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. said at least 40 families, composed of 242 people, were evacuated to the Malanday Elementary School; four families or 20 people at the Nangka Elementary School;  and 11 families, composed of 61 people, to the H. Bautista Elementary School in Barangay Concepcion Uno.

Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando distributed food and medicine to the evacuees.

Ramos said the local police secured not only the evacuation centers but also the homes of the evacuees to prevent robbers from taking advantage of the situation.

He said he will order the return of the evacuees to their homes once the water level at the Marikina River goes down. – Non Alquitran