The Calumpit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Bulacan on Thursday, Aug. 31, announced that the Ipo Dam will be initially releasing excess water as it reaches its spilling level amid heavy monsoon rains.

This might worsen the flooding situation in some villages in the province of Bulacan.

The MDRRMO said that as of 10 a.m. on Thursday, Ipo Dam’s water level has reached 101.13 meters (Spilling level is 101 meters) and is continuously increasing due to heavy rains induced by typhoon Goring.

It said that the Ipo Dam started the release at 3 p.m. on Thursday with an initial discharge of 61 cubic meters (cms).

Residents were advised to observe preventive measures particularly those who are living in the low-lying areas or near the river.

"Asahan po natin na makakaranas po tayo ng pagtaas ng tubig sa kailugan dulot ng mataas na level ng tubig hightide, patuloy na pag-uulan at kasabay din po nito ang pagpapakawala ng maliit na amount ng tubig mula sa Ipo Dam," (Let us expect the rising of water in the river due to high tide, continuous rains, and the release of water from Ipo Dam)," the MDRRMO said.

The communities were advised to be alert at all times, monitor the weather situation in television, radio and social media, and prepare the “Go Bag or Emergency bag.”

"Makipag-ugnayan po tayo sa Tanggapan ng ating mga Barangay upang alamin ang lugar ng ating Evacuation Center na nakatalaga kung kinakailangang lumikas," (Coordinate with Barangay officials to know the designated evacuation centers in times of evacuation)," they said.

As of 8 a.m on Aug. 31, the water level of Angat Dam was 198.18 meters (normal high water level is 212.00 meters); Ipo Dam - 101 meters at 10 a.m.; while Bustos Dam was at 17.36 meters, above the spilling level of 17.00 meters.

The Calumpit MDRRMO continues to monitor the water levels of the three dams.