La Mesa Dam Near Overflowing, Angat and Ipo Dams Critical

Nonstop rain since yesterday evening, November 11, have caused rivers to overflow, streets to flood, and families to be stranded as Typhoon Ulysses continues to bulldoze Luzon. And it’s not yet done with its onslaught.

In a statement, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned the public that the La Mesa Dam is about to overflow. As of 4:27 a.m., the water level of the dam was at 79.77 meters, which is only a few meters away from the dam’s capacity of 80.15 meters. PAGASA warned that if the excess flood waters reach this level, the water will overflow and affect the following communities located along the Tullahan River in Metro Manila and Bulacan:

Quezon City - Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria, San Bartolome

Valenzuela – Barangay Ligon, North Expressway, La Huerta Subdivision

Malabon

To everyone located in these areas, PAGASA advises you to stay alert and stay updated on what’s happening at the dam and the directives of local authorities.

La Mesa Dam is located in Quezon City and is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system that supplies most of Metro Manila’s water. However, Angat and Ipo are also experiencing critical levels.

Angat Dam, Ipo Dam Critical

According to PAGASA, Angat Dam and Ipo Dam, both in Bulacan, are also experiencing rising levels. The two dams will conduct spilling operations to reduce the water levels of the dams.

Ipo Dam’s spilling operation began at 3 a.m., and PAGASA warned that the following communities in low-lying areas and near the river bank of Angat River would be affected:

Bulacan - Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Buliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Hagonoy

Meanwhile, Angat Dam will open its spillway gates starting at 10 a.m. today, and the following communities are within the target area:

Bulacan – Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliuag, Plariden, Pulilan