IPO DAM (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Three major dams in Luzon released water on Sunday, July 20, due to rising water levels brought about by heavy rains from Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” (international name: Wipha) and the southwest monsoon (habagat), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 8 a.m., Ipo Dam in Bulacan had a water level of 100.50 meters, up from 100.42 meters the previous day.
The dam’s spilling level is 101 meters. PAGASA said one gate was opened to regulate the water flow.
In Benguet, Ambuklao Dam’s water level rose to 751.78 meters from 749.77 meters, just below its 752-meter spilling level. One gate was also opened.
Binga Dam, also in Benguet, increased its water release by opening two gates, up from one gate the previous day, after its water level rose to 574.43 meters from 573.05 meters. Its spilling level is 575 meters.
PAGASA also observed a continued rise in the water level of La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, which reached 79.88 meters on Sunday morning, nearing its spilling level of 80.15 meters.
In a dam situationer issued at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, the agency warned that La Mesa may overflow if rains persist, which could lead to flooding in low-lying areas along the Tullahan River.
Areas that may be affected include parts of Quezon City (Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria, and San Bartolome), Valenzuela (North Luzon Expressway, La Huerta Subdivision), and Malabon.
PAGASA added that other dams also experienced rising water levels, including Angat Dam in Bulacan, which increased from 191.88 meters to 194.10 meters, and San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, which rose from 240.39 meters to 242.02 meters.
However, both dams remain below their respective spilling levels.