MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina River remained at a normal level early Monday despite continuous heavy rains dumped by Super Typhoon "Uwan" over Metro Manila. According to Marikina Rescue 161, the water level stood at 13.8 meters as of 2 a.m., below the 15-meter first alarm threshold, meaning no evacuation has been ordered for riverside areas. Still, the city opened 36 evacuation centers for residents seeking refuge from torrential rains and possible flooding. At Malanday Elementary School, the Pet Evacuation Area ensures evacuees’ pets are placed safely in cages while their owners stay in the facility. In Barangay Sto. Niño, 31 families or around 200 individuals have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro said the local government was in full force to aid residents fleeing from the storm and prepared for any emergencies. The city’s preparation efforts have evidently helped maintain stability during the heavy rains. Teodoro said the City Engineering Office has been conducting massive declogging operations since Thursday night, while rescue units were deployed to inspect flood-prone villages and prepare evacuation routes. “We have instructed our operatives to ensure the smooth flow of water and to pre-position rescue boats in strategic locations for quick evacuation when needed,” Teodoro added. City authorities said they continued to monitor low-lying areas near the river, particularly Malanday, Tumana, and Nangka, which are usually first affected when water levels rise. Flood control projects in Marikina — including upgraded drainage systems and real-time IoT river monitoring, continuous dredging — have also been credited for helping the city maintain stability during recent storms.