MANILA - Marikina has been placed under a state of calamity as monsoon rains continued to threaten the city's low-lying areas, particularly those living near the river.

Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro also suspended classes in all levels in both private and public schools in the city tomorrow, Monday, as tropical depression Josie is expected to continue to enhance the habagat.

Authorities evacuated over 5,000 residents as the Marikina River's water level reached 17.3 meters at around 11:00 a.m.

Local disaster officials said the river's water level had since gone down to 16.5 meters as of 2:00 p.m.

Several cities and municipalities have already declared a state of calamity due to continuous monsoon rains. Weather bureau PAGASA said Josie may intensify into a tropical storm today.