Angat Dam to release water amid rising levels; Bustos Dam overflowing
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is closely monitoring the water levels of Bulacan’s three major dams, with Angat Dam nearing its spill level.
Angat Dam, with a water level of 209.02 meters, is set to release water at 50 cubic meters per second. (Freddie Velez)
Due to persistent rains brought by Tropical Storm “Ramil,” the National Power Corporation (NPC) announced that Angat Dam will begin releasing water on Saturday, Oct. 18, at exactly 5:00 p.m.
Gate 2 of Angat Dam will be opened at a height of 0.5 meters, discharging water at a rate of 50 cubic meters per second. This release is expected to be compounded by a high tide of 3.05 feet.
As of 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, the Bulacan PDRRMO reported that Angat Dam’s water level had reached 209.02 meters, which is close to its normal spilling level of 212 meters. Ipo Dam measured 100.78 meters, nearing its spill threshold of 101 meters.
Meanwhile, Bustos Dam recorded a level of 15.40 meters and is currently overflowing at a rate of 134 cubic meters per second. This overflow is attributed to the previously damaged rubber gate no. 3, along with the opening of additional rubber gates.
The PDRRMO said that as Typhoon Ramil intensified into a tropical storm, several towns —Dona Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, and Angat—have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1.
Officials warned that by Sunday, Ramil is expected to maintain its strength, and the TCWS in Bulacan may be raised to Signal No. 2 or 3.
Residents, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, are strongly advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible flooding, landslides, and other hazards.