The Marikina River remains under second alarm as its water level continues to rise, reaching 16.4 meters on Monday afternoon, according to the Marikina City government. This marks a critical point as the river approaches the threshold level that could trigger more severe flooding. Heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, known locally as the habagat, have been steadily increasing the river’s volume, prompting authorities to maintain the second alert status. The situation has evolved rapidly over the past few days. On Sunday morning, the river was already under the first alarm, with officials noting that the water level had reached a concerning height due to persistent rainfall. By mid-morning, the level had climbed further, leading to the activation of the second alarm. At 10:56 a.m., the Marikina Local Government Unit (LGU) recorded the river at 16 meters above sea level, indicating a significant increase compared to earlier readings. As of Monday at 2 p.m., the river stood at 16.4 meters, which is 1.6 meters below the 18-meter threshold that would signal a higher risk of catastrophic flooding. Despite this, the city remains vigilant, as the ongoing rains continue to pose a threat. The habagat system, which brings frequent showers to much of the country, has been particularly active over the western part of Luzon, including the densely populated Metro Manila region. Local authorities have been monitoring the river closely, issuing regular updates to residents and emergency services. The Marikina LGU has coordinated with neighboring municipalities to ensure preparedness, given the potential for flash floods in low-lying areas. Infrastructure such as drainage systems and flood barriers is being checked for readiness, though there are concerns that prolonged rain could overwhelm these measures. Residents living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during high-water periods. Schools and businesses in vulnerable zones have implemented contingency plans, including early closures and evacuation drills. Emergency response teams are on standby, ready to assist with rescue operations should conditions worsen. The weather outlook suggests that the habagat will persist for several more days, potentially causing further increases in the river's flow. Meteorological reports indicate that the system may intensify slightly before gradually weakening, though no immediate change in direction is expected. This means that the current levels could either stabilize or continue rising, depending on how the storm develops. Authorities are urging continued public cooperation in flood prevention efforts. Measures such as clearing blocked drains and avoiding littering along riverbanks are being emphasized. Community leaders have also called for heightened awareness, especially among younger generations who may not fully understand the risks associated with rising water levels. With the river currently at 16.4 meters and showing signs of continued ascent, the focus remains on maintaining communication channels and ensuring rapid response capabilities. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the situation escalates or stabilizes. For now, the Marikina River remains under second alarm, with officials keeping a close watch on developments.
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