QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Due to the heavy downpour brought about by the southwest monsoon (habagat), enhanced by Typhoon Fabian, residents of Marikina where evacuated earlier as a pre-emptive measure as water in the Marikina River started to rise.

As of 12:07 am of July 24 the water level in the river reached 15 meters and the first alarm was raised. Eight gates of the Manggahan floodway were opened.

Based on PAGASA forecast and monitoring, Typhoon Fabian is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the next 3-6 hours but rains will prevail in the western part of Luzon, including Metro Manila, this weekend.

For Marikina residents, here are the important hotline numbers to call in your area: