Marikina River rising but still ‘normal’

MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina River rose slowly yesterday as Tropical Storm Aghon dumped rains in Metro Manila.

From 11.5 meters at 8:15 a.m., the water level was reported at 12.2 meters by 3 p.m.

The Marikina city government said the level was still “normal,” with no call for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.

The first alarm, which would be issued if the river’s water level reaches 15 meters, would prompt residents to prepare for evacuation.

The second alarm, at 16 meters, would oblige people to leave their homes while the third alarm at 18 meters would mean forced evacuation.

The city government also recorded a total of 29 millimeters of rain from Mounts Campana, Boso-boso, Aries and Oro, as well as Nangka as of 3 pm.

It said all flood gates at the Manggahan Floodway were open.