Bulacan Dams Reach Critical Level: Water Discharge Begins
Authorities in Bulacan have issued warnings to communities in one city and ten municipalities about possible river surges after the Ipo Dam breached its spilling level and started releasing water on Saturday. The rising water levels prompted officials to alert residents living in low-lying areas to prepare for potential flooding.
Manuel Kukban Jr., head of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), reported that at 3 p.m., the Ipo Dam began discharging water at a rate of 103.25 cubic meters per second. This action was necessary after the dam’s water elevation hit 101.56 meters, surpassing the critical spilling level of 101 meters.
Heavy Rains and Habagat Impact Water Levels
The surge in water level is attributed to heavy rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Crising, combined with the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.” These weather conditions caused the dam’s water volume to rise rapidly.
Ipo Dam, situated in Norzagaray town about seven kilometers downstream from Angat Dam, serves as a major water source for Metro Manila. It is an impounding reservoir crucial to the region’s water supply.
Alert Issued for Bulacan Communities
The PDRRMO earlier warned residents in the City of Baliwag and the municipalities of Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong to remain vigilant for river surges.
Baliwag Mayor Sonia Estrella has strictly prohibited residents from swimming in the city’s rivers. She also instructed barangay officials to enforce vigilant river monitoring in their areas. “Mag-ingat po tayo at patuloy na makinig sa mga updates ng panahon,” she urged.
Angat and Bustos Dams Also Discharging Water
Meanwhile, Angat Dam’s water level rose from 191.88 meters above sea level on Friday to 192.10 meters on Saturday, although it remains well below the high water mark of 214 meters. Bustos Dam has also begun discharging water since Monday.
Adding to the flood risk, a high tide of 2.65 feet occurred early Saturday morning, which may worsen flooding conditions in affected areas, according to local disaster officials.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather forecasts and heed safety advisories to protect themselves and their communities during this period of elevated water levels.
For more news and updates on Bulacan dams, visit Filipinokami.com.
