Most dams still overflowing

Twitter photo by @kingdelrosario

MANILA, Philippines – Half the dams affected by the monsoon rains are still overflowing as of Thursday, August 9, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its 5pm situation update, the NDRRMC noted that the water level at 5 dams — Ipo, La Mesa, Ambuklao, Binga and San Roque — is beyond spilling point.

Of these dams, only La Mesa in Quezon City lacks gates to release water, while the other 4 have been releasing water and the rest of the “critical” dams — Angat, Pantaganban, Magat and Caliraya — are below their overflowing level.

Source: NDRRMC 5pm situation update

The NDRRMC advised citizens living in low-lying areas or near the dams to be “alert for possible increases in the water level downstream” and those near La Mesa to watch out for an overflow.

The Marikina River water level has receded and as of 5.15pm it was at 16.7m, according to the city’s public information office.

Status of emergency response

A total of 2,110,871 people have been affected by the monsoon rains in 1,661 barangays, 128 municipalities and 30 cities across 16 provinces in regions I, III, IV-A, IV-B, VI and the National Capital Region.

Of these, 580,079 people are being assisted inside and outside evacuation centers, the NDRRMC said.

Local government units, NGOs and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have so far distributed P23,640,767 worth of relief aid, while 13,229 personnel of the AFP, the PNP and the Coast Guard have been deployed to search and rescue operations involving 182 vehicles and 275 sea crafts.

A total of 3,116 houses have been totally or partially damaged, and several provinces and NCR cities continue to experience power and water outages due to the severe floods that have so far claimed the lives of 20 people. – Rappler.com

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