La Mesa Dam breaches limit

MANILA, Philippines — The La Mesa Dam in Quezon City overflowed yesterday due to rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Enteng, threatening low-lying areas in Metro Manila.

As of 9 a.m. yesterday, the water level of the reservoir had reached 80.20 meters or 0.05 meters above its spilling level of 80.15 meters.

As early as 1:20 a.m. yesterday, La Mesa Dam had breached its spilling limit.

The dam’s water level is expected to continue to rise due to moderate to occasionally heavy rains caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said water from the dam was expected to affect low-lying areas in Quezon City, Valenzuela and Malanbon.

These include Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria and San Bartolome in Quezon City.

Residents living in the affected areas, especially those near the river banks were advised to be on alert.

The monsoon will bring occasional rains over Metro Manila, La Union, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Northern Palawan and the rest of Central Luzon.

PAGASA said the trough of Enteng is expected to continue to bring scattered rains over the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Monsoon rains are forecast over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro.