All floodgates open at Marikina River as Alarm Level 2 raised

(Updated 12:21 a.m.) Alarm Level 2 was raised at the Marikina River, warning nearby residents that they should prepare to evacuate given the river's rising waters, brought about by the heavy rain from Typhoon Luis.

Radio dzBB's James Agustin reported that Alarm Level 2 was raised at 10:44 p.m., when the Marikina River's water level rose to 16 meters. By 11:45 p.m., the level had risen to 16.5 meters.

Lebel ng tubig sa Marikina River, 16 meters na as of 10:44pm. Ikalawang alarma, itinaas. | via @_jamesagustin pic.twitter.com/uKMVC7yOGQ

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 14, 2014

 
Radio dzBB also reported that all of the Marikina River floodgates had been opened.

The Marikina River rose to 15 meters 8:50 p.m., when the Alarm Level 1 was triggered.

There are four Alarm Levels at the Marikina River. A water level of 15 meters triggers Alarm Level 1, which is a "babala" (warning). Level 2, when the water is 16 meters, means "maghanda (prepare)." Level 3, when the water is 17 meters, means "lumikas (evacuate)."

The fourth, Critical Level, is adopted when the waters reach 18 or more meters, and forced evacuation are then carried out. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News