Marikina River water level’s decline slow as rain continues, LGU says

The first alarm has been raised over Marikina River on Wednesday evening, with the city government unit warning of a slow decline in the water level as the rain continues even after Tropical Storm Enteng left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

At 6:47 p.m. on Wednesday, the water level was at 15 meters, higher by 0.2 meter from the level of 14.8 meters recorded at 5 p.m. and 0.1 meter about the "normal" upper limit of 14.9 meters.

When the river's water level reaches 15 meters, a first alarm is raised. A second alarm is hoisted when it reaches 16 meters and a third alarm at 18 meters. 

The Marikina Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said that there are various factors contributing to the slow decline of the water level. 

“Ang walang patid na pag-ulan, kasama ang pabugso-bugsong malalakas na buhos, ay patuloy na nagdadagdag ng tubig sa ating ilog,” the Marikina DRRMO said. 

(The non-stop and heavy downpour have contributed more water to our river.) 

“Kapag sumasabay ang high tide sa Manila de Bay sa mataas na lebel ng tubig sa ilog, nahihirapan ang tubig na mabilis na bumaba,” it added. 

(When the high tide in Manila de Bay coincides with the high water level, it takes time for the river’s water to subside.) 

While the water from La Mesa Dam does not directly go into the Marikina River, the DRRMO said the rise in water level at Pasig River has an impact on the latter. 

“Ang pagtaas ng tubig sa Pasig River, na dulot ng overspilling ng La Mesa Dam, ay may epekto sa bilis ng pagbaba ng lebel ng tubig sa Marikina River,” it said. 

(The rising water level in Pasig River due to the overspilling in La Mesa Dam also has an effect on the water level in Marikina River.) 

The second alarm was raised over the river during the onslaught of Enteng last Monday as the water level in the river reached 16.9 meters.

Enteng left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday morning. 

However, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will also bring moderate to intense rainfall in other areas of Luzon over the next three days, PAGASA said.

With the persistent rains and uncertain situation of the river’s water level, classesin Marikina remain suspended in all levels, in both public and private schools on Thursday.  — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News