MARIKINA CITY, Philippines — The Marikina River breached the critical 18-meter mark late Saturday night, August 29, prompting authorities to raise the third and highest alarm level as relentless rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, continued to batter Metro Manila and nearby areas.
The river’s water level reached 18.4 meters at 11:35 p.m., after first crossing the 18-meter threshold at around 10:29 p.m., according to data cited by GMA News and the Marikina City government.
The third alarm signals a critical stage in Marikina City’s flood warning system and calls for mandatory evacuation in affected communities, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas near the river.
From First Alarm to Critical Level in Hours
The alarming rise followed a rapid escalation throughout Saturday as heavy Habagat rains continued to pour over Metro Manila.
The Marikina River first reached the 15-meter level, triggering the first alarm and warning residents to prepare for possible evacuation. By Saturday afternoon, the water had climbed to 16 meters, prompting the second alarm and preemptive evacuation measures.
By late Saturday night, the river had crossed the 18-meter danger threshold.
Under Marikina City’s three-level warning system:
- First Alarm – 15 meters: Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
- Second Alarm – 16 meters: Preemptive evacuation measures are implemented.
- Third Alarm – 18 meters: Mandatory evacuation is ordered in affected areas.
The rapid increase in water level underscored the danger posed by sustained monsoon rains, particularly for communities located along waterways and in low-lying parts of Metro Manila.
Water Level Later Recedes, But Threat Remains
By early Sunday, August 30, the Marikina River’s water level had begun to decline, allowing authorities to lower the alert status back to the second alarm.
According to the Marikina City Public Information Office, the water level was recorded at 17.7 meters at 4:50 a.m., down from 18.1 meters earlier in the morning. It further dropped to 17.3 meters as of 5:25 a.m.
However, the improvement does not automatically mean the danger has passed. Continued rainfall could still cause water levels to rise again, and residents in vulnerable communities are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities.
Flooding Reported in Nearby Communities
The situation has also affected communities beyond Marikina. Parts of Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City experienced flooding as heavy rains and rising waterways affected the area, with some residents reportedly using boats to move through inundated sections.
Metro Manila had earlier been placed under a red rainfall warning, with authorities warning of serious flooding in flood-prone areas as the Habagat continued to bring intense rains.
Residents Urged to Stay Alert
Authorities continue to monitor the Marikina River and weather conditions as the Southwest Monsoon affects large parts of the country.
For residents living near rivers, creeks, and other flood-prone areas, officials advise keeping emergency supplies ready, monitoring official announcements, and evacuating immediately when instructed.
The water may have started to recede—but with the Habagat still bringing rain, the question now is whether the Marikina River will continue to fall or rise again.
For now, residents are being urged not to let their guard down.
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