Flood Gates Opened as Marikina River Hits Highest Alert Level

(SPOT.ph) Continuous rainfall brought by Typhoon Carina has led Marikina City to raise the water level alert for the Marikina River to the third alarm. It is at 20.7 meters as of 4:40 p.m. on July 24.

A third alarm in Marikina is declared when the Marikina River's water level reaches 18 meters. At this stage, forced evacuations are implemented for residents in low-lying areas to prevent casualties. The river's normal level should be 14.9 meters and below, with first and second alarms set at 15 and 16 meters, respectively. 

To put it into perspective, Typhoon Ondoy reached 21.5 meters in 2009.

Also read: This Is How Marikina Refuses to Sink in the Face of Floods

The heavy rainfall has been exacerbated by the southwest monsoon, with upstream areas recording significant rainfall in Mt. Campana (35mm), Mt. Bosoboso (42mm), Mt. Aries (35mm), Mt. Oro (28mm), and Nangka (38mm).

In response to the rising water levels, all eight flood gates at the Manggahan Floodway have been fully opened. The Manggahan Floodway is a flood control infrastructure designed to divert excess water from the Marikina River to the Laguna de Bay, which serves as a temporary reservoir. If both the river and the bay reach their capacity, however, there is a risk of overflowing.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns that the effects of the enhanced monsoon will continue even after Typhoon Carina exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by July 25.

Also read: Metro Manila, Prep for Rain Until the Weekend

Reported floodings on July 24, 2024 due to Typhoon Carina

Number coding is suspended today, July 24, following the Malacañang Palace's announcement to suspend government offices and school levels in Metro Manila due to continuous heavy rainfall from Typhoon Carina.

Here is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) list of reported floodings as of 9:35 a.m. on July 24:

Manila

• Bonifacio Drive 25th Street NB and SB: Gutter deep (8 inches)
• Dimasalang cor. Becerra Street Sta. Cruz: Gutter deep (8 Inches)
• España-Lacson Ave. Intersection: Knee (19 inches)
• Roxas Avenue-Kalaw: Gutter deep (8 inches)
• Vito Cruz to Taft Ave.: Knee deep (19 inches)
• España- R. Magsaysay: Below gutter deep (7 inches)
• España-Antipolo Street: Half tire (24 inches)
• España-P.Margal/Blumentritt: Half knee deep (9-10 inches)
• España-M. Dela Fuente: Half tire (13-14 inches)

Marikina City

• Marcos Highway (SM Marikina): Gutter deep (8 inches)

Quezon City

• Araneta Ma. Clara SB: Chest above (45 inches)
• E-Rodriguez Araneta: Chest above (45 inches)
• Balintawak NB: Tires above (26 inches)
• Quezon Avenue, Biak na Bato E/W: Above half knee (12 inches)
• EDSA Quezon Avenue: Half tire (13 inches)
• EDSA Quezon Tunnel: Waist (37 inches)
• G. Araneta Ma.clara SB: Chest above (45 inches)
• Edsa Oliveros NB: Waist (37 inches)
• Victoria TM Street NB: Gutter deep (8 inches)

Pasay City

• Andrew Tramo: Gutter deep (8 inches)
• Roxas Boulevard EDSA NB Service Road: Gutter deep (8 inches)
• Airport Road-Domestic Road: Half Tire (13 inches)
• EDSA Taft NB/SB: Knee deep (19 inches)
• EDSA Roxas Boulevard Heritage: Gutter deep (8 inches)

Taguig City

• C5 Palar: Above knee

Valenzuela City

• McArthur: Above half tire (13 inches )