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MARIKINA CITY — The local government unit (LGU) of Marikina declared that as of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the city is now flood-free as clearing operations in affected communities begun after torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) raised the Marikina River water level to the second alarm, prompting the immediate evacuation of residents in low-lying areas.
“Ang buong Marikina po ngayon ay flood-free na. Lahat po ng mga kalsada sa ating lungsod ay passable na po. Samantala, nasa 14.1 meters ang water level ng Marikina River as of 1:40 p.m., which is within the normal level po,” Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro said.
She reported that all families who sought temporary shelter in the city’s 29 evacuation centers have returned to their homes as soon as the floods subsided, giving way to clearing and cleaning operations in communities and schools that served as evacuation centers.
“Nagsimula na rin ang clearing operations sa mga komunidad na naapektuhan ng enhanced southwest monsoon o habagat, pati na rin sa mga paaralan na ginamit bilang evacuation centers,” said the mayor.
Door-to-door distribution of vitamins, anti-leptospirosis meds
To ensure the health and safety of families affected by the flooding, Mayor Maan personally went door-to-door in Libis Bulelak, Barangay Malanday, accompanied by doctors and other City Health Office personnel, to distribute vitamins and anti-leptospirosis medicine to residents, especially those who waded in the floodwaters.
Mayor Maan underscored Marikina LGU’s continued monitoring of the weather as rains persist and the threat of possible flooding remains in the city.
“Patuloy naman ang local government unit ng Marikina sa pag-monitor ng sitwasyon at pagsasagawa ng mga kinakailangang clearing operations sa mga apektadong lugar,” she said.
Despite days of continuous rain and the water level in the Marikina River reaching up to 17.5 meters, activating the second alarm of the early warning system, Mayor Maan noted that the majority of the city did not experience floods, with some low-lying areas and those near the riverside reporting only minor flooding.
She stressed that their year-round dredging and declogging operations have contributed greatly to reducing flooding in the city, and protecting families and communities.
“Makikita natin ang naging malaking tulong ng ating regular dredging ng Marikina River, declogging ng mga drainage at paglinis ng mga creek. Patunay ito sa effectivity ng ating flood mitigation infrastracture, early warning system, at pagtutulungan ng both local government and the citizens,” she said.
For years, Marikina City has been conducting dredging operations along the Marikina River as part of its long-term flood mitigation and disaster preparedness efforts.
The city has invested in specialized equipment, including amphibious excavators, to sustain dredging and river maintenance activities.
Last June, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) turned over a new amphibious dredger to the local government to boost this initiative.
“Ginagamit na natin ito kasama ng ating existing dredger para mas mapabilis and pagpapalalim at pagpapalawak ng Marikina River. Mas malaking water-carrying capacity, mas handa tayo ngayong tag-ulan,” said Mayor Maan.
While no flood mitigation program can completely eliminate the risks posed by extreme weather events, Marikina remains focused on enhancing resilience, protecting lives and properties, and ensuring communities are prepared.
While the local government does its part to manage flooding and other climate-related risks, the mayor continues to urge residents to be vigilant in case of emergencies and cooperate with local authorities. (/)