Alert level 1 up in Marikina River

MANILA, Philippines - Marikina River was placed under alert level 1 yesterday amid heavy rains spawned by Typhoon Karen.

The city government alerted rescue teams and readied evacuation centers after the river’s water level rose to 15.2 meters at around 8:30 a.m.

Overnight rains caused the river to swell and business establishments along the riverbanks of the Marikina River temporarily shut down.

Rescuers of the city government made the rounds of low-lying barangays and advised the residents to prepare for evacuation should the water continue to rise.

Mayor Marcy Teodoro said the eight floodgates of the river were opened to help ease the rising water level.

Under alert level 1, residents in low-lying areas such as Barangays Malanday, Nangka and Tumana are advised to monitor the situation.

Alert level 2 will be raised if the water level reaches 16 meters above sea level. This calls for preparedness among residents.

Alert level 3 will be raised once the water level breaches the 17-meter mark and residents are advised to evacuate.

Rescue teams and rubber boats have been placed on standby, the city’s public information office said.

School gymnasiums will serve as evacuation centers.