Marikina River water level remains normal amid 'Uwan' rains; thousands remain at evacuation centers
Some of the modular tents set up by the city government inside one of Marikina's evacuation centers in preparation for Super Typhoon Uwan. (Photo from Marikina PIO)
The water level in Marikina River remains at a normal level despite heavy and continuous rains brought by Super Typhoon Uwan on Sunday, Nov. 9, Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro said.
Based on the latest water level monitoring by the city government, the river's water level stood at 13.4 meters as of 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10.
Teodoro attributed this to the city's continuous dredging and cleanup operations, which aim to increase the river's water-carrying capacity and prevent spillover and flooding.
The mayor had earlier launched an intensified campaign against irresponsible waste disposal in the city to prevent the accumulated trash and sludge from clogging Marikina's waterways and drainage systems.
Teodoro was elected as the focal mayor for flood mitigation and management by the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) in August. In this role, she will lead the creation and implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at boosting the capacity of cities in the country to address the threats of flooding and climate change.
Evacuation situation
Meanwhile, a total of 1,786 families equivalent to 8,918 individuals were moved to 36 evacuation sites across Marikina to ensure their safety from the super typhoon as of 8 a.m. on Nov. 10.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) 7 a.m. bulletin, Uwan has moved over the West Philippine Sea after crossing the Luzon landmass, with its center located 125 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union.
It was moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.
The weather bureau said Uwan has weakened after crossing the mountainous terrain but remains a typhoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.