Overflowing Ipo Dam releases water; La Mesa Dam nearing limit

The Ipo Dam in Bulacan has filled its water capacity, prompting the government to release water from the reservoir to relieve the pressure and prevent the dam from breaking and causing massive floods in downstream communities. In an interview aired over GMA News TV's "On Call," PAGASA's Hydrometeorology Division head Dr. Susan Espinueva said the water level in Ipo Dam is at 101.20 meters, which is above its overflow limit of 100.87 meters. Because of this, she said three gates of Ipo Dam have remained open since 10 p.m. on Thursday. She noted, however, that they have already informed the Bulacan Office of Civil Defense about the situation.
On the other hand, Espinueva said the water level at La Mesa Dam (Quezon City) is at 80 meters, just .15 meters shy of its spilling limit. She said the La Mesa Dam automatically releases water when it exceeds its overflow limit. Once it does, she said it will add to the water level in the Tullahan River. Meanwhile, Espinueva said the Angat (Bulacan) and Magat (Isabela) Dams are still 13 meters and 10 meters short from overflowing, respectively. She added that the water levels in the San Roque (Pangasinan) and Pantabangan (Nueva Ecija) Dams are normal. Espinueva likewise assured residents that the rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Falcon (Meari) is not comparable to Ondoy, which ravaged the country two years ago. "Yung sa Ondoy buhos po talaga, ito although continuous siya hindi gaanog kalakasan at may pagkakataon na tumitila-tila siya (In the case of Ondoy, there was continuous heavy downpour. This time, although it is continuous, it's not raining that hard)," she said. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News