PAGASA keeps watch over dams; flood alarm systems inspected

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is keeping watch over major dams in Luzon amid threats of heavy rains from tropical storm "Chedeng" (Songda). But PAGASA senior forecaster Robert Sawi said the dams are still below spilling level as of Wednesday morning, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. He said they will issue advisories if they need to release water from the dams due to rains from Chedeng. PAGASA's 6 a.m. update on the major dams:

• Angat: 191.47 meters, below spilling level of 210 meters
• Ipo: 99.63 meters, below spilling level of 100.87 meters
• La Mesa: 79.74 meters, below spilling level of 80 meters
• Ambuklao: 751.95 meters, below spilling level of 752 meters
• Binga: 571.90 meters, below spilling level of 575 meters
• San Roque: 232.04 meters, below spilling level of 280 meters
• Pantabangan: 180.91 meters, below spilling level of 221 meters
• Magat: 187.04 meters, below spilling level of 193 meters
• Caliraya: 286.5 meters, below spilling level of 288 meters

Meanwhile, Marikina City officials started inspecting Wednesday their flood warning systems. The officials are particularly wary of floods in Nangka, Malanday and Santo Niño villages, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported. They said the alarm system will issue warnings when the water level at the Marikina River reaches 15 meters. When the water level reaches 18 meters, the critical level, the city will conduct a forced evacuation of residents in the affected area. Meanwhile, local government officials of at least seven areas in Metro Manila and Rizal province will inspect the Marikina River for obstructions that may cause flooding. The officials vowed to prevent a repeat of the overflowing of the river after cyclone "Ondoy" (Ketsana) dumped rains on Metro Manila in 2009, dzBB's report said. Marikina City Vice Mayor Jose Cadiz said they will file charges against those who place obstructions in the river that may cause flooding. Members of the "Alliance of Seven" include Quezon, Pasig and Marikina Cities in Metro Manila; and Antipolo City, Cainta, San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal province. Also, Science Department Secretary Mario Montejo said in a radio interview there may be a "chance" of Chedeng hitting Metro Manila.— LBG, GMA News