Bustos and Ipo dams discharge excess water; 102 Bulacan villages submerged in floodwaters

Due to continuous downpour, high tide, and the release of excess water from Ipo and Bustos dams, 102 villages in Bulacan submerged in floodwaters, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said on Sunday (July 25).

From 6 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., to maintain the water elevation, the Bustos dam gradually released 1.5 meters and 1.5 meters from Radial gates 1 and 2 respectively wherein the total water released was 168 cms. At exactly 12 noon, Ipo dam opened its Gate 1 and initially discharged 38 cms. of water.

As of 11 a.m., the water elevation of Angat Dam was at 186.88 meters (spilling level 212 meters); and Ipo Dam 101.07 meters above the spilling level of 101.00 meters, and Bustos Dam 17.36 meters, above the spilling level of 17 meters. The rising of the dams’ water level was due to the heavy rainfall-induced by Habagat.

From 48 villages submerged in floodwaters in Bulacan, it rose to 102 villages.

According to PDRRMO, 303 families are currently staying at 31 designated evacuation sites.

The 102 villages submerged in 1 to 3 feet of floodwaters were from Guiguinto (5 villages); City of Meycauayan (5 villages); Calumpit (18 villages); Hagonoy (9 villages); Paombong (15 villages); Balagtas (5 villages) ; Marilao (4 villages); Plaridel (4 villages); Malolos (24 villages); and Bocaue (13 villages).

Earlier, Governor Daniel R. Fernando, chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, advised the residents living in the low-lying areas and those dwelling near the riverbanks of Angat from Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, and Hagonoy to be on alert for the possible increase in the water level downstream.

The governor’s advice was made after learning that the Ipo Dam management will conduct a spilling operation at 12 noon with an approximate initial discharge of 38 cms.