Ipo Dam begins releasing excess water as Habagat persists

Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan began releasing excess water on Friday evening amid persistent rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

The Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office confirmed the water release, which was scheduled for 9 p.m., in a report by Jamie Santos on “Saksi.”

“The initial operation will involve the opening of Radial Gate A by 15 centimeters, equivalent to an estimated spill of 35 cubic meters per second (cms),” Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Bernardo Alejandro IV said in an earlier statement.

“This is due to the continuous rise in the dam’s water level brought about by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat),” he added.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, the dam’s reservoir water level had reached 101.17 meters, or 0.07 meters above its normal high water level of 101.10 meters, according to PAGASA.

Alejandro said local government units in Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliwag, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit, Paombong, Hagonoy, and Malolos City, as well as the provincial government of Bulacan, had been informed to take appropriate action.

“Everyone is advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and take the necessary precautionary measures, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas,” he said.

PAGASA said water releases from Ipo Dam may continue if rains persist over its watershed. The gates may be closed if rainfall weakens, depending on conditions in the watershed.

"There is a possibility because it is still raining over the Ipo Dam watershed. So, it is possible that more gates may be opened," PAGASA hydrologist Richard Orendain said. —VBL, GMA News