The local government units of Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong announced that classes at all levels, in both public and private schools, remained suspended on Wednesday, September 4, due to the yellow rainfall warning issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The suspension was announced following continuous heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), prompting PAGASA to issue a heavy rainfall warning, which is currently at the "Yellow Warning Level" in Metro Manila as of 5 a.m.
The suspension was also due to rising water levels in the Marikina River, which reached the first alarm at exactly 1 a.m. on Wednesday after the water level hit 15 meters.
As of 6 a.m., Marikina City Rescue 161 reported that the river's water level had receded to 15.1 meters after reaching 15.4 meters at around 3:30 a.m.
As of 7 a.m., the alarm on the river was lifted, and the water level returned to normal as it receded further to 14.9 meters.
If the water level reaches 16 meters, the second alarm will be raised.
The third and final alarm will be issued if the water level reaches 18 meters, at which point forced evacuations will be enforced in all affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Pasig LGU reminded the public to be cautious when sharing announcements, noting that official updates, including class suspensions, will only be posted on the official Facebook page of the Pasig City Public Information Office and Mayor Vico Sotto.