Screenshot of Marikina River's water level (Courtesy of Marikina City Rescue 161)
MANILA – The water level at the Marikina River reached third alarm Wednesday morning due to the heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
In an update, the Marikina City Rescue 161 said the water level reached 18.3 meters at 10:30 a.m., which means the "forced evacuation" of residents living near low-lying areas.
The first alarm was raised at 5:30 a.m. as the water rose to 15 meters. The second alarm, or once water reaches 16 meters, was raised at 6:45 a.m.
The weather bureau raised the red rainfall alert over Metro Manila at 5 a.m., warning of serious flooding.
Typhoon Carina has further intensified as it moves toward Taiwan, it said.
In a radio interview, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said rescue personnel have been pre-positioned since Tuesday
He said the city’s 36 evacuation centers are ready for the forced evacuation.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered the deployment of “all available forces and resources” to assist areas experiencing heavy rains and flooding.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said personnel have been deployed to the affected areas “as part of our humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts.”
“Ang mga mobility assets po ng PNP were dispatched also para magamit sa pagbigay assistance (Our mobility assets have also been dispatched to provide assistance),” Fajardo said.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has deployed personnel to assist affected residents, Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Mararnan said.
Maranan advised the city residents to report any emergencies or individuals in distress to the nearest police station or through the QC hotline 122.
Expanded number coding suspended
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority suspended the expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila after the Palace announcement suspending government work and classes in all levels in Metro Manila. (With a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
