Angat, Bustos Dams' water levels continue to rise due to inclement weather
The Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Saturday, Sept. 2, advised the Bulakenyos living in low-lying areas and near the river channels to be alert and prepared for possible severe flooding as the water levels of Angat and Bustos Dams continue to rise due to the inclement weather.
Citing the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the province of Bulacan along with Metro Manila, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bataan will experience light to moderate with occasional heavy rains.
Related to this, the residents in the coastal towns of Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong, as well as those living along the river banks are urged to take precautionary measures as the water levels of Angat and Bustos dams continue to increase.
As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, the Angat Dam’s water level increased to 200.59 meters from 199.23 meters on Friday, Sept.1 (the normal high water level is 212.00 meters).
The water level at Ipo Dam was at 100.89 meters, (near to the spilling level of 101.00 meters), while the water level at Bustos Dam was 17. 17 meters (above the spilling level 17.00 meters).
It was learned that once the dam's reservoir reaches its spilling level, its operator will schedule a spilling operation and be forced to release excess water– to maintain the water elevation.
Bustos Dam operators on Friday opened its three sluice gates gradually releasing 86 centimeters of water that continues to flow to the coastal municipalities of Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong.
Residents of Angat, Norzagaray, Bustos, Baliuag, San Rafael, Plaridel, and Pulilan towns were also urged by authorities to take the necessary precautions for possible flooding in the areas.