Dams' Water Levels Rise Due to Heavy Rains; Flood Concerns in Metro Manila

Continuous rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) have caused water levels in several dams across the Philippines to rise, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In Quezon City, the La Mesa Dam's water level reached 79.70 meters as of Sunday morning, nearing its spilling level of 80.15 meters. PAGASA hydrologist Richard Orendain warned that if heavy rains persist over the dam's watershed, it could reach its spilling level as early as Sunday night or Monday morning. "Kung tuloy-tuloy ang pag-ulan sa watershed ng La Mesa Dam, posible itong umabot sa spilling level na 80.15 (meters) tonight or bukas ng madaling araw," he told Super Radyo dzBB. Orendain expressed concern that an overflow from La Mesa Dam could lead to significant flooding along the Tullahan River. "Sa ngayon, medyo nag-recede na nang kaunti. Ayun ang nakakatakot, halimbawa, tuloy-tuloy na pag-ulan at umapaw itong La Mesa Dam, may possibility na magkaroon ng mga pagbaha along Tullahan River. Posibleng umapaw 'yung Tullahan River," he said. While the river's water level has slightly receded from its peak, the situation remains precarious. Meanwhile, the Angat Dam is maintaining a safe water level at 161.12 meters as of Sunday morning. PAGASA projects its water level to be around 170 to 175 meters by the end of August. "Based sa assessment namin, by end of August, nasa 170 to 175 meters lang ang magiging water level nitong Angat Dam," Orendain added. However, the Ambuklao and Binga Dams in Benguet have already opened their spill gates as of reporting, raising potential concerns for downstream communities. The San Roque Dam in Pangasinan continues to face water shortages, with its water level at 239.72 meters, still far from its normal high water level despite a recent six-meter rise. "Kailangan talagang mapunuan itong San Roque Dam dahil napakababa sa ngayon, 239.72 [meters] 'yung lebel niya. Tumaas na siya ng six meters at malayo pa rin sa normal high water level," said Orendain. According to PAGASA's 4 a.m. weather forecast, the Habagat is expected to continue bringing rains to Metro Manila, parts of Northern Luzon, and the Visayas on Sunday. Monsoon rains are anticipated over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Other areas, including Metro Manila, the rest of the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, and Antique, will experience intermittent rains due to the Habagat.