Alarms lifted over Marikina River as water level decreases

Alarms have been lifted over the Marikina River on Monday evening as the water level continues to subside amid the rains in different parts of the country brought by Tropical Storm Enteng.

As of  9:00 p.m., the city government’s public information office said that the Marikina River’s water level is currently at 14.9 meters.  

The river recorded water levels of 16.6 m at 12:48 p.m., 16.4 m at 2 p.m., and 16 m at 3:55 p.m. 

The waterway was down to first alarm at 4:20 p.m. after the water level further subsided to 15.8 me. 

The water level was 16 meters at 8:32 a.m., prompting the local government to raise a second alarm.  

Second alarm means residents are advised to evacuate.

When the water level reaches 18 meters or the third alarm, a "forced evacuation" will be in effect.

Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro said that he is hoping that the river's water level will continue to subside as the city also recorded a decline in the amount of rainfall in the afternoon. 

"Bumababa na po ang rainfall count natin sa ngayon. Kaninang ala siyete ng umaga, pinakamataas 235 millimeters. Sa ngayon po, ang rainfall count natin ay nasa, on the average, 26 hanggang 35 mm. Kung magpapatuloy na mababa ang rainfall count, makikita natin na tuloy-tuloy, paunti-unti, bumababa yung water level sa Marikina River," he said in a Facebook live.

(The rainfall count has decreased so far. At 7 a.m., we recorded 235 millimeters, but we only recorded this afternoon an average of 26 to 35 mm. If this will continue, we can expect the water level in Marikina River to further subside.)

But the mayor asked residents not to be complacent and a pre-emptive evacuation must still be conducted.

At 7:51 a.m., the first alarm was raised after the water level in the Marikina River rose to 15 meters.

Meanwhile, in a "24 Oras" report by Dano Tingcungco, some residents in Cainta, Rizal found a way to earn money by transporting stranded commuters.

Despite the free ride offered by the local government unit from the junction to Marcos Highway, some chose to ride pedicabs and makeshift boats. 

“Depende po sa binibigay ng customer,” a pedicab driver replied when asked how much he is asking his passengers  

(It depends on how much they want to pay.) 

“Bibigyan ko sila ng P100!” a passenger enthusiastically said. “Marami po talagang na-stranded.” 

(I will pay them P100!...There were many who were really stranded.) 

Seven areas in Luzon are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 due to Enteng. 

Nine areas in Luzon are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 as Enteng further intensifies.

Classes have been suspended in some Luzon and Visayas areas due to Enteng. In Metro Manila, government work and classes in all levels in public and private schools were also suspended.

At 8 p.m. Monday, Enteng was moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour, according to PAGASA.

The tropical storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and had gustiness of up to 140 kph.

Enteng may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday morning or afternoon, said PAGASA.  —Joviland Rita/Vince Ferreras/KG/RF, GMA Integrated News