The water level at the Marikina River swiftly rose on Monday, August 17, as a result of torrential rains and an unexpected surge of floodwaters from Rizal, reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

According to Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro, the onslaught of the Southwest Monsoon or “Habagat” brought heavier rains today, compared to last week.

“Umabot na sa 120 mm ang rainfall mula kahapon ng 3 p.m. hanggang ngayong 1 p.m., habang nasa 368.57 m³/s ang spill rate ng Wawa Dam,” Teodoro said.

This prompted the Marikina local government to announce class suspensions for tomorrow, August 18.

As of 1:32 p.m., the Marikina River water level has reached 16 meters, triggering the second alarm and preemptive evacuation.