La Mesa Dam (ABS-CBN Photo courtesy)
As the water level in La Mesa Dam approaches its spilling point, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued a flood warning for residents in low-lying areas of Quezon City and Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela cities).
Hydrologist Rosalie “Oyie” Pagulayan from Pagasa advised cities along the Tullahan River to be prepared for possible evacuations.
As of 6 a.m. on Sunday, the water level in La Mesa Dam has reached 79.79 meters and is expected to rise further due to continuous rainfall. It is anticipated to overflow once it reaches its normal high water level (NHWL) of 80.15 meters, as the dam lacks flood control components, leading to the overflow of excess water into the Tullahan River and surrounding communities.
Areas at risk of flooding include Barangay Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, and Sta. Quiteria in Quezon City, as well as parts of Valenzuela and Malabon. The local government units in these regions have been duly alerted to advise residents living near river banks to remain vigilant and be ready for potential evacuations.
In addition, the recent heavy rainfall has caused the water level of Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, which serves as the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, to rise to 193.84 meters as of 6 a.m. on July 30. However, despite the contribution of rainfall from tropical storms Egay and Falcon, the water level is still below its normal high water level (NHWL) of 210 meters, indicating that more precipitation is needed for the dam to reach its full capacity. (ai/mnm)
