Marikina River swells anew; evacuees spike to 29k

After gradually going down Tuesday night, water level at the Marikina River has risen anew close to 17 meters, even as the number of as evacuees has swelled to almost 30,000.

 

On Wednesday, the Marikina Public Information Office said Alert Level 2 remains in place as the Marikina River water level was measured at 16.7 meters as of 9 a.m.

An Alert Level 2 (Prepare to Evacuate) will be raised once water level reaches 17 meters.

 

On Tuesday afternoon, the critical Alert Level 4 was raised after the river swelled past 19 meters, prompting local officials to launch forced evacuations in homes situated near the body of water.

By Tuesday night, however, water level started going down until the wee hours of Wednesday.

 

As of posting time, more than 29,000 people or about 6,000 families are seeking shelter inside 23 schools, village halls, multi-purpose halls and gymnasiums that have been turned into evacuation centers in the city.

 

At the same time, local authorities are appealing for relief for the affected families.

 

"Our brothers and sisters in the evacuation centers (5,958 families or 29,334 individuals) need our help in terms of food, clothing, and other relief items. Donations in cash or in kind will be greatly appreciated and warmly received at the Marikina Sports Center. Look for Dr. Totoy Llabres," said the Marikina PIO on its official Twitter account.

 

The evacuation centers currently accomodate the following:

 

— RSJ, GMA News