La Mesa Dam overflow forces evacuation of 400 North Fairview residents
By Trixee Rosel
Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter personnel conduct rescue and evacuation operations for residents affected by rising floodwaters in Sitio Uno, Barangay North Fairview, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Red Cross)
More than 400 residents of Barangay North Fairview in Quezon City were evacuated after La Mesa Dam exceeded its spilling level early Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded the La Mesa Dam water level at 80.20 meters at 5 a.m. Tuesday, exceeding its 80.15-meter overflow spilling level.
North Fairview was among the first areas affected by flooding linked to the dam overflow, prompting the preemptive evacuation of residents in low-lying areas.
Based on the barangay's evacuation update, 161 families or 429 individuals were staying at the North Fairview High School evacuation center, while 17 others sought refuge at the UNFHAI Covered Court.
The barangay hall was also placed on standby as an additional evacuation facility should more residents need to be evacuated.
Amid the rising floodwaters, the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter (PRCQC) deployed an eight-member water rescue team and ambulance personnel to assist residents stranded by waist- to chest-deep floodwaters in Sitio Kumunoy and Sitio Uno.
PRCQC rescuers prioritized children, senior citizens, and other residents needing immediate assistance and transported affected community members to a first aid station established at the North Fairview High School evacuation center.
The excess water from La Mesa Dam is expected to affect other low-lying areas along the Tullahan River, including parts of Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas.
Residents in low-lying areas and communities near waterways were urged to remain alert and evacuate immediately when advised by authorities rather than wait for floodwaters to rise further.