Alert level over Marikina River lifted, but hundreds evacuated

MANILA, Philippines - Alert level 1 has been lifted over Marikina River after its waters continued to subside on Monday.

The Marikina government's Public Information Office (PIO) said the water level in the said waterway is now only at 14.9 meters above sea level as of 12:55 p.m.

But as of Monday noon, over a thousand residents are still evacuated in anticipation of possible flooding.

The PIO said the evacuation centers include:

• H. Bautista Elementary School - 79 families / 351 persons
• Malanday Elementary School - 8 families / 32 persons
• Libis Bulelak (Brgy. Malanday) - 100 families / 505 persons
• Filipinas Village Basketball Court (Brgy. Malanday) - 22 families / 149 persons
• Nangka Elementary School - 28 families / 118 persons

Alert Level 2 was previously raised following the continuous heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon or "Habagat," which is affecting Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon.

The state weather bureau said Tropical Storm "Maring" is enhancing the southwest monsoon, which has triggered flashfloods in the metropolis and nearby provinces.