La Mesa red alert: Evacuation advised

MANILA, Philippines – The La Mesa Dam is now on red alert due to continuous rains, and residents of surrounding areas have already been advised to evacuate, said a hydrologist from the state weather bureau Tuesday afternoon, July 3.

Manila Water, which handles La Mesa Dam, issued this advisory as a precautionary measure, said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) hydrologist Sonia Serrano in an interview on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Serrano noted that La Mesa Dam has not released water amid a low-pressure area that has caused flooding in the metropolis. (Read: Flood alert for Metro Manila, nearby areas.)

“Nagpa-for evacuation na sila kasi fino-foresee na nila na mabigyan ng babala ang residents,” Serrano said. (They recommended evacuation because they want to give an early warning to residents.)

She said affected areas include Tullahan River, portions of Quezon City, Valenzuela City, and Malabon City.

The water level in La Mesa Dam is at 79.37 meters as of 7 a.m., according to the latest update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Its spilling level is at 80.15 m.

In a report late Monday morning, radio dzMM said La Mesa Dam’s water level is now at 79.52 m, based on information provided by La Mesa dam headworks manager Teddy Angeles.

Meanwhile, Ipo Dam has exceeded its 100.5-meter spilling level, said the NDRRMC in its 10 a.m. udate. The water level in the dam is at 101.05 m as of 7 am, the NDRRMC said. — Rappler.com

Related story: 

Flood alert for Metro Manila, nearby areas

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