4 Luzon dams release water

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Ambuklao and Binga Dams in Benguet continued releasing water yesterday, as heavy rainfall induced by the southwest monsoon pushed the reservoir water almost to the spilling levels.

In Bulacan, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) reported that Ipo and Bustos Dams were discharging 202.07 cubic meters per second and 160 CMS of water, respectively, to their downstream river systems.

At Angat Dam, which supplies most of the potable water needs of Metro Manila, the PDRRMO reported that water elevation rose by 11.48 meters above critical level, which is still 8.52 meters below the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

As the four dams continue to release water, authorities urged residents and local disaster risk reduction and management councils to take the necessary precautions, particularly in areas that could be affected by the continuing water releases.

The PDRRMO said 107 barangays in Bulacan were flooded, with Barangay Meysulao in Calumpit the most affected as the area was submerged in up to six feet of floodwater.

At least 2,877 families or 9,096 people took shelter in 141 evacuation centers in the province.

In Benguet, residents of Barangay Ambuklao in Bokod town and of Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan in Itogon were advised to remain on alert as the monsoon persists, dumping heavy rain across the Cordillera region.

Ambuklao dam managers said seven gates were opened at 8 a.m. yesterday, as the water level was logged at 751.71 meters, or 0.29 meters below the 752-meter normal high-water level operation.

The Binga Dam had six gates opened as the water level rose to 574.44 meters, or 0.56 meters below the 575-meter normal high-water level.