7,000 flee as Marikina River breaches 'critical level'

More than 7,000 people have voluntarily abandoned their homes in Marikina City on Friday as the water level of Marikina River breached the critical point of 17 meters. Ronald Mejia, officer-in-charge of Rescue 161, told GMA News Online that the Marikina authorities have hoisted Alert Level 3 — the highest — as the river’s water surged to 17.1 meters as of 5:40 p.m. Rescue 161 is a unit under the Marikina City Mayor's Office. It was the first time a third level alarm was sounded since water swelled in the river because of continuous rains brought by tropical storm “Falcon" (international name: 'Meari') starting Wednesday. Officials said the level is already considered "critical" because of the sheer number of affected residents.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV A total of 7,472 people from 1,123 families living in Barangays Nangka, Tumana, Malanday, and Sto. Niño — along the Marikina River — have already volunteered to flee to safety. Mejia said the evacuees are currently sheltered in nearby schools and covered basketball courts. "Patuloy po ang pagtaas ng tubig sa ilog," Mejia said. So far, no person has been reported missing, injured or killed in Marikina City, he said.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV The local government of Marikina has deployed 40 rescue personnel and four rubber boats in the four villages. Meanwhile, some residents of the Provident Villages at Barangays J. dela Peña and Tañong have likewise started leaving their houses, Mejia said, but added they have no figures yet on the number of affected people inside the subdivision. The Provident Villages, situated beside a sharp bend in the Marikina River, were among the hardest hit areas by the rampage of typhoon Ondoy in September 2009. Water level at the river peaked at 23 meters during Ondoy's rampage, sending three-meter deep floods to nearby communities. Ondoy killed hundreds of people and wrought damage worth millions of pesos. — VS/HS, GMA News