Marikina River's water level down

MANILA, Philippines - The water level at Marikina River has started to go down yesterday but the number of evacuees rose to 6,282 families or 44,729 individuals as more barangays remained underwater.

As of 4:30 p.m., Marikina River’s water level dropped to 18.1 meters from its peak of 21.4 meters Tuesday night.

Based on the gauge stream located under the Marikina Bridge in Barangay Sto. Niño, the critical level of 18 meters above sea level means forced evacuation of residents in riverbanks and nearby low-lying areas.

Acting Mayor Fabian Cadiz reported 27,000 evacuees as of Tuesday night, but the number rose to 44,729 due to continuous rains. The evacuees are housed in 32 public schools in 16 barangays, Cadiz said.

Reynaldo Umali of Marikina’s Rescue 161 said more residents had to leave their homes after the Marikina River swelled beyond 20 meters due to rainwater from the mountains of Rizal province.

His office has received information that the four areas where water is coming from have recorded “zero” rainfall, he added. These areas are Bosoboso, Mount Oro, and Aries in Rizal, as well as in Nangka in Marikina.

Umali said local officials are working double-time to accommodate the needs of the evacuees, particularly in the delivery of food supplies and relief goods.

He said they have been receiving calls from evacuees complaining about shortage in relief goods.

From a high of 21.4 meters, the Marikina River’s swelling had already eased a bit Tuesday night as the water level went back under the 20-meter mark.

However, the water level shot back past 20 meters, peaking at 20.31, before slowly going down again.

On guard vs looters

Police and village watchmen in Marikina City are guarding the houses abandoned by the residents to prevent looters from striking.

Chairman Manny Sarmiento of Barangay Jesus de la Peña said looters or “Akyat Bahay” gang members may take advantage while the residents are housed in evacuation centers.

“We are guarding abandoned houses to prevent suspicious people from coming near them,” he added.

Sarmiento said the evacuees could not go back to their houses as floodwaters have yet to subside.

He said the water level at Marikina River is subsiding but another round of heavy rains might reverse the trend.