The Marikina River’s early warning system (EWS) status was raised to the second alarm alert on Saturday, Oct. 29, due to the heavy downpour of rains brought by severe tropical storm (STS) “Paeng.”
The water level first hit 15 meters at 12:03 p.m., activating the first alarm alert.
By around 1:50 p.m. the water level reached 16 meters, sounding the second alarm.
Pre-emptive evacuations are conducted during the second alarm following the EWS protocol.
If the river’s water level reaches 18 meters, prompting the third and final alarm alert, forced evacuations in all affected areas will be ordered.
As of 3:03 p.m., the water level is 16.5 meters.
All eight gates of the Manggahan Floodway were opened.
In an interview with DZBB, Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said 32 families or 133 individuals from Barangay Tumana pre-emptively evacuated to the evacuation site at H. Bautista Elementary School as of 12:30 p.m.
Around 31 evacuation centers were opened by the local government across the city. Throughout the day, over a thousand families, mostly from Barangays Malanday and Tumana, reportedly sought shelter at the centers.
The Marikina City local government ensured continuous monitoring of typhoon “Paeng” at the Marikina Command Center.
Operatives from the Rescue 161, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Marikina police, Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS), and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) have been deployed and ready to assist evacuees.
In the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)’s tropical cyclone bulletin, Typhoon Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 3 was raised for Metro Manila.
As of 2 p.m., Metro Manila is placed under the orange rainfall warning category. PAGASA and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said heavy torrential rains, strong winds, and possible flooding are expected from Saturday morning to evening.
Update: At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, the water level subsided to 14.9 meters, the normal status, at the Marikina River. The alarm alert has been lifted, as per the Marikina Public Information Office (PIO). Residents in evacuation centers have also returned to their homes.