MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City received and tested Thursday a flood alarm system to bolster its disaster preparedness capability especially during the rainy season.

The heavy-duty flood siren was donated by the Ako Bikol Party-list (ABP).

Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman lauded the donation.

The alarm system was presented and tested at the Gil Fernando Bridge (Tumana Bridge) in Barangay Tumana where it was installed.

The device will be used to alert Barangay Tumana residents and others within 1.5 kilometers of the siren when the Marikina River swells and threatens to flood riverside communities.

“Since this area is among the lowest points in Marikina, the city government decided to install the siren here to give the residents early warning in the advent of flooding,” said De Guzman.

Marikina residents were advised on the meaning of the different sounds of the sirens. Short intermittent blasts for 30 seconds signifies Alert Level 1 which means the water level of the Marikina River has reached 15 meters above sea level.

Intermittent blasts of medium duration for one minute signifies Alert Level 2 which means the water level of the Marikina River has reached 16 meters above sea level.

Continuous/non-intermittent blast for five minutes signifies Alert level 3 which means the water level of the Marikina River has reached 17 meters above sea level.

Continuous non-intermittent alarm for 10 minutes indicates that the water level of the Marikina River has reached its critical level, which is 18 meters above sea level. In this case, forced evacuation will be enforced by the local authorities.

The local government of Marikina acknowledged the kind gesture of AKB Party-list and presented a certificate of appreciation to Representatives Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co, and Alfredo Garben during the flag-raising ceremony of the city government of Marikina at the City Hall Quadrangle.

“Alarm systems play a very important role in saving lives and properties especially during rainy season when communities near Marikina River are susceptible to flooding. We are glad that other non-government organizations and volunteer groups help us lessen the risks during these times. The spirit of ‘bayanihan’ is truly felt in Marikina,” De Guzman said.

Aside from alerting residents of imminent flooding, the city government in coordination with local disaster risk reduction and management council members is also carrying out information dissemination and communication, evacuation, and relief operations.