The water level at La Mesa Dam further rose to 80 meters at 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, which is just 0.15 meters below the dam’s maximum level of 80.15 meters.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the water level of the dam in Quezon City is expected to rise due to “continuous occasional rains” caused by the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.”
In just almost four hours, the water level at the dam rose by 0.59 meters, climbing from 79.41 meters at noon to its current level of 80 meters.
Since La Mesa Dam does not have a gate to control the accumulation of floodwaters, PAGASA warned that once the dam elevation reaches 80.15 meters, excess water will overflow.
Water discharged from La Mesa Dam is expected to affect low-lying areas along the Tullahan River in Quezon City, particularly Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria, and San Bartolome.
It will also affect areas in Valenzuela, specifically Barangay Ligon, North Expressway, and La Huerta Subdivision, as well as in Malabon.
“All residents living in the aforementioned areas, especially those near the river banks, are advised to be alert for possible flooding,” PAGASA said.