2 dams close to Metro Manila near overflow levels—Pagasa

Two dams in Luzon are on the verge of overflowing after several days of intermittent heavy to intense rain brought by the habagat or southwest monsoon, the weather bureau said Thursday. The two dams are the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City and the Ipo Dam in Bulacan, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. Pagasa said the dams could overflow if the rain continued. As of 11 a.m., July 9, 2015, the water level at La Mesa was at 79.69 meters, said Ronalyn Macalalad, Pagasa hydrologist. The dam’s spilling level is at 80.15 meters.  This has prompted authorities to raise the red alert at the dam in Quezon City and along its spillway.  La Mesa Dam has no gates and once its limit is reach, water will flow down the Tullahan River and may affect communities along the latter’s banks.  Areas that might be affected are Fairview, Forest Hill, Quirino Highway, Capri, Goodwill Homes, Santa Quiteria and San Bartolome in Quezon City; Ligon, North Expressway, and Huerta in Valenzuela City; and Malabon.  Authorities suggest that residents living along the Tullahan River to evacuate in case of an overflow.  Meanwhile, Ipo Dam in Bulacan was at 100.94 meters, which was near its spilling level of 101 meters.  Macalalad said a dam gate could be opened to release some water if Ipo nears its spilling levels.  Also in Bulacan, the Angat Dam, which supplies most of Metro Manila’s water, was at 169.94 meters as of 11a.m. Its minimum operational level was at 180 meters.