La Mesa Dam overflows amid heavy downpour

The La Mesa Dam in Quezon City and the Wawa Dam in Rizal have reached beyond their spilling level on Monday afternoon due to the continuous heavy rainfall, according to the advisories issued by PAGASA. 

As of 5 p.m., the water level in La Mesa Dam is at 80.17 meters - which is already beyond its spilling threshold of 80.15 meters. 

The state weather bureau earlier warned that waters from La Mesa Dam is expected to affect the low-lying areas/barangays along Tullahan River from Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Malabon City and Navotas. 

Meanwhile, the water level in Upper Wawa Dam also spilled beyond its capacity of 135 meters after the water level rose to 135.69 meters as of 5 p.m. 

According to a report in “24 Oras,” Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Ronnie Evangelista said that the local government may implement a forced evacuation if the weather condition will not improve. 

The water from Wawa goes directly to the Marikina River, which may cause flooding, the report added.

Metro Manila and several provinces are expected to experience 100 to 200 mm of rainfall due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat until Tuesday, according to PAGASA. —VAL/RF, GMA Integrated News