The water level of Marikina River has reached third alarm on Monday evening amid continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, according to the Marikina City government.

In a Facebook post, the Marikina City Public Information Office said the river’s water level increased to 18.4 meters as of 11:15 PM, prompting a forced evacuation of residents.

A total of 1,637 individuals, or 346 families living near the river and in low-lying areas have been evacuated as the river reached the second alarm.

Earlier, the second alarm was raised at 1:53 PM as the water level rose to 16 meters.

The first alarm was raised at 12:25 PM, with the water level hitting 15 meters. This means residents should prepare for possible evacuation.

A second alarm is raised when the water level hits 16 meters, prompting authorities to advise residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to designated barangay evacuation centers.

The first alarm is triggered when the river hits 15 meters, while the third and final alarm is declared at 18 meters — when forced evacuation is required due to imminent danger.

As of posting, the city government continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to remain alert.

Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro, together with Congressman Marcy Teodoro, visited all the evacuation centers to ensure the safety of the families who are temporarily staying at the evacuation centers.

Various agencies of the local government are now cooperating to ensure that evacuees' needs are being provided. NEIL ALCOBER