Local government units in Metro Manila should immediately enforce drastic emergency measures amid threats of more flooding over reports of the La Mesa Dam reaching the spilling level.

With La Mesa Dam reaching the July 22 overflowing mark of 80.17 meters as of 8 a.m., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that it threatens the “low-lying areas along the Tullahan River such as Quezon City, Valenzuela, Malabon, Caloocan, and Navotas.’’

“This surpasses its normal high water level of 80.15 meters. Based on DOST-PAGASA's dam monitoring update, La Mesa Dam has recorded  an increase of 0.48 meters over the past 24 hours, and continues to rise,’’ the DILG noted.

Under these circumstances, the DILG said that around 12,946 individuals or 2,772 families in 24 barangays in various local government units (LGUs) “are at risk.’’

“We are urging our LGUs to act fast and prioritize the safety of their constituents. Evacuation, real-time communication, and on-the-ground coordination are crucial right now. Ang buhay ng tao ang pinakamahalaga (People’s lives are far more important),” DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla asserted.

Remula, however, revealed that the affected LGUs have coordinated with dam operators and activated their respective dam safety protocols and communication plans. 

“At-risk communities have been warned, and both preemptive and forced evacuations have been carried out. Evacuated families are receiving Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) services in designated centers,’’ Remulla added.

As of the latest consolidated report, Remulla stated that around 11,667 families or 41,878 individuals have evacuated and are now inside evacuation centers in Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Valenzuela City, and Quezon City.

With the prevailing heavy downpour due to ‘Habagat (Southwest Monsoon),’ Remulla directed the Metro Manila LGUs to intensify monitoring and early warning systems, coordinate directly with DOST-PAGASA and dam operators, monitor dam levels and rivers, especially along the Tullahan River system and issue real-time alerts to flood-prone barangays.

The DILG chief also instructed the NCR LGUs to ensure evacuation and relief operations readiness, prepare and maintain evacuation centers, preposition essential goods

* Mobilize barangays for rapid evacuation and assistance, and ensure CCCM protocols are in place for displaced families.

With the current flooding incidents, Remulla asked the concerned LGUs to conduct clean-up and declogging operations, inventory and deploy garbage trucks with assigned personnel, clear esteros, drainage systems, and flood-prone waterways, lead community clean-up drives with barangay support and conduct road clearing for unhampered movement of goods and essential services.

“Residents in affected areas are strongly urged to stay alert, cooperate with local authorities, and evacuate when ordered. For live dam status updates, visit pagasa.dost.gov.ph.,’’ the DILG said.