By Jel Santos
Marikina City was placed under a state of calamity by Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro Sunday afternoon due to continuous downpour that caused flooding.
Marikina River (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
“It’s been raining very hard for a week now. This is why we declared a state of calamity. Most of my constituents failed to report for work because of the flooding and heavy rains,” he said in Filipino over an interview at DZBB.
He also suspended all classes in all levels (private and public) on July 23.
“Because of the anticipated inclement weather tomorrow, July 23, classes are suspended as schools are currently being used as evacuation centers. As such, Marikina River is at critical level. All are advised to be alert and take caution,” Teodoro said.
Around 10 a.m. Sunday, Marikina River reached 17.4-meter level, signaling third alarm.
Reports said around 3,000 individuals residing near the river had been moved to evacuation sites.
The local government is still monitoring the Marikina River’s water level.