Prepared Marikina prevents deaths from Falcon floods

In September 2009, the Marikina River swelled to a record level of 23 meters from Ondoy's epic rain, driving three-meter floods into surrounding communities, trapping and killing hundreds in their homes. The city is apparently better prepared in 2011. After Storm Falcon caused the same river to rise to over 18 meters deep and spill water into streets, no one has been reported killed or missing in Marikina. Marikina City police head Senior Superintendent Gabriel Lopez attributed the zero-casualty feat during this week's floods to the preventive evacuation efforts implemented by the local government, a lesson learned from the 2009 flood. "May rescue units tayo dito na handa sa ganitong mga sitwasyon [We have rescue units that are prepared for these kinds of situation]," Lopez told GMA News. The Marikina City government sounded the third alarm Friday afternoon after the water level breached the 17-meter mark. Some 7,000 residents initially volunteered to leave their homes. Authorities said a preventive evacuation is carried out once water level reaches 16 meters. At 17 meters, residents are advised to voluntarily leave their homes. And at 18 meters, a forced evacuation is set in motion. Lopez said disaster relief operations are currently in "full force" as 6x6 trucks and a number of rubber boats are ready to help people needing rescue and assistance. The military and police have likewise fielded their personnel to assist in the rescue and relief efforts. Water in river goes down The water level in the river has continuously been dropping after peaking at 18.2 meters late Friday night. By 8:54 a.m. of Saturday, the water level was recorded at 17.2 meters and further went down to 16.5 meters by noontime. Still, the more than 25,000 evacuees taking refuge inside 16 schools and covered courts that were converted into evacuation centers are still not allowed to troop back to their homes. Authorities said the affected residents would only be allowed to return to their homes once the water level drops to 15 meters. "May trauma ka na kasi. Kahit konting ulan lang gusto, mo na lumipat kagad," said one of the evacuees staying inside an evacuation center, reliving memories of Ondoy's rampage from 2009. As of Saturday noon, state weather forecaster Aldzcar Aurelio said Falcon continued to move away from the Philippines and toward Japan. Falcon is currently hovering over the area near Taiwan and China, he added. Despite Falcon's departure, Aurelio warned of more rains, especially in the northern and central parts of Luzon, due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Falcon. — LBG/HS, GMA News