Colliding barges on Marikina River hit Pasig bridge

MANILA, Philippines – Pushed by strong current, several barges on Marikina River hit the F. Manalo bridge in Pasig City on Wednesday afternoon, July 24, as heavy rain continues to pour down due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The bridge goes over Marikina River and connects Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig and Calle Industria in Quezon City.

Both lanes of F. Manalo Bridge were temporarily closed in light of the barge collision, the local government said in an announcement posted at 7 pm Wednesday.

The barges, flat-bottomed vessels that carry cargo through rivers and canals, were pushed by the strong current of Marikina River, which, as of 4.40 pm, has reached a water level of 20.7 meters. Local governments surrounding the river have imposed a forced evacuation of residents.

The Pasig government had advised residents of low-lying areas including Santolan, Dela Paz, Maybunga, and parts of Manggahan, to evacuate.