Marikina River Water Level Subsides but Alert Level 2 Remains
The Marikina River water level continued to fall on Tuesday morning, yet Alert Level 2 stayed in place for several hours. As of 7:42 a.m., the river’s height measured 16.8 meters, local officials reported through their social media channels.
This early drop follows the river reaching the critical third alarm at 10:08 p.m. Monday, when water levels surged past 18 meters. The local government immediately enforced mandatory evacuations for residents near the river once the highest alert was declared.
Rising and Falling Trends Amid Heavy Rainfall
The river peaked at 18.6 meters at 2:00 a.m. Tuesday before starting to recede an hour later. However, experts caution that this downward trend might not last. Meteorologists issued a red rainfall warning over Metro Manila, urging the public to stay vigilant due to ongoing heavy rains.
These persistent rains are the result of the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, which was recently intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Crising. The storm and monsoon combo has caused widespread flooding and claimed six lives so far.
Historical Flood Risks and Past Records
The Marikina River has long been known as a flood-prone waterway. According to local leaders, the highest water level recorded was 21.5 meters during Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. That disaster severely affected Marikina and surrounding areas, resulting in over 700 deaths across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
More recently, in July 2024, the river swelled to 20.7 meters due to heavy rains from Super Typhoon Carina combined with the southwest monsoon. These events highlight the river’s vulnerability during intense weather systems.
Residents and authorities remain on high alert as the situation develops. Continuous monitoring and preparedness are essential to prevent loss and damage from potential flooding.
For more news and updates on Marikina River water level, visit Filipinokami.com.
