Consecutive typhoons increasing dams’ water level

The typhoons that have hit the Philippines in quick succession have increased the water level of dams in the country, including the Angat Dam, which supplies 90 percent of Metro Manila.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras,” Angat Dam's water level reached 205 meters on Wednesday afternoon, a few meters from the dam’s normal high water level of 210. Authorities are monitoring it in case it reaches the spilling level of 217 meters due to by typhoon Ulysses.

“Kaya pang i-imanage ‘yung ganoong elevation dahil comes December 1, itataas natin ‘yung elevation ng Angat Dam from 210 to 212,” Richard Orendain, a hydrologist of PAGASA, said.

“Para mag-ipon na tayo ng tubig. ‘Yun po ‘yung preparation natin papunta na ng summer,” he added.

PAGASA said it will find out in mid-December if Angat Dam's level will be enough to supply Metro Manila during summer.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Ipo Dam, which catches the water from the Angat Dam, reached 101.14 meters on Wednesday afternoon, above its spilling level of 101 meters.

Due to this, the Ipo Dam has been placed on red alert. Should it release water, areas such as Angat, Norzagaray, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliwag, Pulilan, Plaridel, and Hagonoy will be affected.

La Mesa Dam's water level has reached 79.32 meters, close to its 80.15-meter spilling level. Should the dam release water, some areas in Quezon City, Valenzuela, and Malabon will be affected.

“Pinangangambahan nga natin dito sa Tullahan river, posible rin po na magkaroon tayo ng mga pagbaho so mag ingat po tayong lahat,” Orendain said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News