Release of water from Angat Dam stopped

HAGONOY, Bulacan , Philippines  – Authorities stopped releasing water from Angat Dam two days ago because of scarce rainfall.

However, residents of this coastal town are bracing for floods as rainwater from Central Luzon drains into Manila Bay.

Engineer Russel Rigor of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) told The STAR that low rainfall was recorded within the 53,000-hectare Angat watershed.

As of yesterday morning, water elevation at the dam remains high at 214 meters, which is above the 212-meter spilling level, he added.

Romualdo Beltran of Napocor said the 212-meter spilling level is their maintenance level. The dam can accommodate up to 216 meters, he added.

Bulacan Gov. Jonjon Mendoza belied text messages that Angat Dam would be releasing excess water any time soon.

Speaking over radio, Mendoza said there is no truth to reports that the dam will be opening its floodgates to allow water to pour out.

“It is not in a spilling (level) nor (is) the water (at) critical level,” he said.

Mendoza said dam officials would coordinate with him before releasing water that could flood low-lying towns in Bulacan.

“They would inform us five hours before opening the flood gates of the dam,” he said.

Heavy rains from tropical storm “Ondoy” caused more than 100 barangays in 22 towns and cities in Bulacan to go under water on Saturday.

The Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO) said the death toll in the province climbed to 23 yesterday, and a number of others still missing.

PDMO records showed that 17 victims drowned, four of them still unidentified, while one died of electrocution, and five died in a landslide in Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray town.

The victims were identified as Abet San Pedro, Roberto Pacao, and Erick Portugal of Bocaue town; Angelica Arajo and Benjamin Juliano of Bustos; Rodel Casino of Guiguinto; Ramon Demistrosa, Fortunato Saturnino, and Faustino Policarpio of Meycauayan City; Jan Joven of San Jose del Monte City; Agustin Margallo and certain Eddie, Ervin Marlon, Jasmine and Jasper of Norzagaray town; Carmelita Lacap, Feliza Magpayo, Hermogenes Lacap, Lito Sta. Romana of Marilao town.

Four other victims of drowning in Marilao town remain unidentified, while Christopher Nieto and Rex Baltao of Barangay Bolacan in Bocaue were reported missing.

Hagonoy acting Mayor Elmer Santos said about 100 hectares of farmlands planted with assorted vegetables and other crops as well as fishponds were flooded.

He appealed to private individuals and companies for relief goods that will be needed by residents of this town.

Hilton Hernando, a hydrologist at the Pampanga River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, told The STAR rainwater draining into Manila Bay would have moderate effect on coastal towns of Bulacan.

He warned people living on riverbanks to move to higher ground.