Amid 'Falcon' rains, authorities closely watching two dams

Authorities are closely watching the water level in at least two major dams in Luzon, amid heavy rains brought by tropical storm "Falcon" (international code name Meari). In Bulacan, Ipo Dam manager Mario Rodriguez said they had to open one gate of the dam to let out water to prevent an overflow. "Nagpapalabas kami ng kaunting tubig, very minimal, 30 cm ang opening para hindi kami mag-spill," Rodriguez said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said they aim to bring down the water elevation to 100.5 meters before they close the dam's gate. Rodriguez said they decided to open the gate when the water level reached 100.8 meters. The dam's spilling level is 101 meters. As of 9:00 a.m., he said the water level had gone down to 100.6 meters. However, he said they remain on alert because the weather had been "erratic," where rains were intermittent. "Very alert ang tao natin," he said. At La Mesa Dam, meanwhile, dzBB reported the water level had reached 79.91 meters, slightly below the overflow level of 80.15 meters. Fears of Angat Dam overflow allayed Residents in Metro Manila were reassured Friday there is no chance of water overflowing from Angat Dam in Bulacan due to rains brought by tropical storm "Falcon." Angat Dam plant manager Rodolfo German said the dam's present elevation is 195.72 meters, more than 10 meters below the spilling level of 210 meters. "Walang dapat ipangamba, ang elevation natin malayo sa spilling level," German said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said they will maintain the water level at below 210 meters. Angat Dam supplies 97 percent of the water needs in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed no major dam in Luzon had its gates opened as of 6:00 a.m. Friday. - VVP, GMA News