Angat Dam nearing spilling level; operators to release excess water
The water elevation of Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, has climbed close to its spilling level, prompting operators to release water starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, to prevent possible overflow.
Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, nears its spilling level as operators prepare to release excess water. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
According to the advisory, Gate 2 of the dam will be opened by 0.5 meters, releasing around 58 cubic meters per second (cms) to gradually lower the reservoir’s level, which reached 211.09 meters above sea level as of Friday morning.
The controlled release aims to maintain the dam’s ideal maximum level of 210 meters, as authorities brace for additional rainfall from Tropical Storm Fung-Wong that could further raise inflow.
Residents living near the Angat River and downstream communities were advised to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding due to stronger currents.
The Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that as of 8 a.m., Angat Dam’s water elevation was at 211.14 meters, Ipo Dam at 100.73 meters (spilling level: 101.00 meters), and Bustos Dam at 15.36 meters (spilling level: 17.00 meters).