La Mesa Dam nears critical level

MANILA, Philippines - Residents living near Tullahan River in Quezon City were told to evacuate their homes as La Mesa Dam neared its spilling level Tuesday night.

But according to the local disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO), no one evacuated despite the red alert declared by the city government.

The red alert was still in place yesterday afternoon as the water in La Mesa Dam remained at critical level.

As of 1 p.m. yesterday, the water level was at 72.92 meters, down from the 80.05 meters at 10 p.m. Tuesday. The spilling level is 80.15 meters.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista said communities “are automatically alerted to bring themselves to safety” once a red alert is declared at the La Mesa Dam.

Noel Lansang, DRRMO chief, said they asked the residents to evacuate following the declaration of the red alert.

He said around 300 informal settler families would be affected if the Tullahan River overflowed.

Mike Marasigan, DRRMO assistant head for operations, said the water level at the Ipo and Angat dams – which empty into the La Mesa Dam – are below critical level. – Janvic Mateo, Rhodina Villanueva