Water levels in 10 Luzon dams continue to rise

MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam reached 200.3 meters as the elevation of nine Luzon dams continue to go up amid the rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, Angat’s water level had increased by 1.85 meters, bringing it to 200.3 meters. Authorities said the level is still below the normal high water level of 210 meters.

The water levels of all Luzon dams also continued to rise yesterday. Two gates at the Ipo Dam in Bulacan were opened at 0.70 meters to release 113.2 cubic meters of water per second (cms). At a level of 100.79 meters yesterday, Ipo’s water level was just 0.31 meters short of its normal high water level of 101.1 meters.

In Benguet, four gates of Ambuklao Dam were opened at two meters and began releasing 293.18 cms as it reached 751.10 meters, or 0.90 meters below its normal high water level of 752 meters.

Six gates of Binga Dam were also opened at three meters to release 387.25 cms after its water level reached 572.88 meters, or 2.12 meters below its normal high water level of 575 meters.

In Pangasinan, one gate of San Roque Dam was opened at 0.5 meters to release water at 68.45 cms.

Magat Dam in Isabela was also opened at two meters to release water at 375 cms after it reached 187.77 meters, or 5.23 meters below its normal high water level of 193 meters.

Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija increased by 0.76 meters, reaching 206.38 meters, or 14.62 meters below its normal high water level of 221 meters.

Caliraya Dam in Laguna was up by 0.45 meters, reaching 287.25 meters compared to its previous level of 286.8 meters.

La Mesa Dam in Quezon City reached 79.93 meters – 0.22 meters below its spilling level of 101.1 meters.

If it overflows, La Mesa Dam is expected to affect the low-lying areas along the Tullahan River – particularly Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria and San Bartolome in Quezon City; North Expressway and La Huerta Subdivision in Valenzuela City and Malabon.

Residents living in affected areas, especially those near river banks, are advised to be on alert for further increases in the water level along Tullahan River.