MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – San Mateo and Taytay, Rizal joined the growing list of municipalities placed under a state of calamity as 2,800 people living near the San Mateo River have been evacuated, following heavy rains brought by tropical storm Maring and the southwest monsoon on Tuesday, August 20.

A state of calamity means calamity funds can be released easily to assist those in need and prices of basic goods can be controlled to prevent increase.

According to the government’s news and information bureau, San Mateo Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz said evacuation was voluntary, and that most were “cooperative,” and “voluntarily evacuated.”

As of 3:30 pm, the water level at Nangka Bridge at the San Mateo-Marikina border had reached 22 meters.

Affected areas

Other areas in Rizal are also flooded and may be placed under a state of calamity soon as well.

In a DZMM interview with Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto, he said 80% of his municipality is already under water.

“We have mobilized about 13 cargo trucks to pick up those asking for help,” he said, adding they have 32 evacuation centers spread throughout.

“We are discussing whether we will declare a state of calamity here so we can use and distribute the resources people need.”

He said relief operations and rescue teams of their local social welfare office are ready to assist flood victims.

Nieto also appealed to Rizal residents not to wait for the evening until they evacuate their homes.

“To those who will evacuate, please don’t be stubborn so we can finish before night comes. If you don’t need to do anything important outdoors, please stay indoors,” he said.

Over 600,000 people nationwide have been affected by the heavy rains. – Rappler.com