Typhoon Ulysses ravages parts of Luzon, Marikina submerged in Ondoy-level waters
Typhoon Ulysses, which battered parts of Luzon including Metro Manila, brought torrential rains and strong winds overnight that left a bruised city of Marikina as the water level at the Marikina River continues to rise.
According to the Marikina Public Information Office's post on Facebook, as of 11:38 a.m., the water level at the Marikina River is at 21.9 meters, about one-meter shy of the 23-meter level (equivalent to an eight-story building) during Ondoy in 2009. The normal water level at the Marikina River is at 14 meters.
WATCH: Marikina River continues to swell on Thursday morning due to heavy and continuous downpour brought by #UlyssesPH. (Video from Ernie Panaredondo/The Philippine STAR) pic.twitter.com/2BNB71X4ev
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) November 12, 2020
In the early hours of Thursday, hundreds of residents who live near the river were forced to evacuate at around 3 a.m. as heavy rains continued to pour starting Wednesday evening.
Low-lying areas in Marikina are now submerged in floodwaters, including Barangay Tumana, where residents are photographed on top of their houses waiting to be rescued. Netizens also used social media to call for help as relatives, friends, and neighbors seek higher ground.
“Many of our residents were soaked overnight. In some areas, floods have reached the second floor and roofs,” Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, who continues to monitor the city’s situation, said in an interview with DZBB.
Typhoon Ulysses also left parts of Metro Manila flooded and without electricity since early Thursday morning.
As of 9:20 a.m., La Mesa Dam’s spilling level of 80.15 meters has been breached. Residents along Tullahan River was advised to evacuate.
With maximum sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts up to 255 kph, Ulysses made landfall three times starting on Wednesday night in Quezon province.
According to PAGASA’s 11 a.m. advisory, Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon regions will continue to experience heavy rains until Thursday afternoon. Metro Manila is currently at Signal No. 2.
See government emergency hotlines below:
