Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro has announced the suspension of face-to-face and asynchronous classes at all levels in both public and private schools tomorrow, September 5, 2024. The decision comes as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing heavy rainfall brought about by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and the continuous rise in water levels in the Marikina River.
According to the latest reports from the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO), the Marikina River’s water level has steadily risen since early this morning. As of the last update, the water level has reached 15 meters, prompting authorities to raise the first alarm. The local government closely monitors the situation, as further increases in water levels could lead to forced evacuations in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Mayor Teodoro emphasized that the safety of the students and residents is the top priority. “We are closely coordinating with the Pagasa and our local disaster response teams to ensure we are prepared for any eventuality. The suspension of classes is a necessary step to protect our students and to allow families to prepare for possible evacuations if the situation worsens,” Teodoro said in a statement.
The Habagat, which has been affecting various parts of Luzon over the past few days, is expected to continue bringing moderate to heavy rains in Metro Manila, including Marikina City. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued a rainfall advisory for the area, warning residents to remain vigilant against possible flooding and landslides, particularly in areas near bodies of water.
In light of the situation, Mayor Teodoro also urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, especially near the Marikina River and other flood-prone areas. He advised those living in high-risk areas to be prepared for potential evacuations and to stay updated on the latest advisories from local authorities.
The city government has already activated its emergency response teams and has set up evacuation centers in various barangays to accommodate residents who may need to leave their homes. Food packs and other essential supplies have also been prepared for distribution in case of evacuations.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official announcements from the Marikina City government and Pagasa for further updates on the weather situation and safety advisories.