President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed concerned agencies to prepare for possible flooding near water reservoirs amid ongoing heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon.
During a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Quezon City, the President emphasized the need for constant updates on the status of dams and flood conditions.
“If heavy rains persist… We will be forced to release water (from the dams),” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino.
State weather bureau PAGASA announced that as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, the Ipo Dam in Bulacan has opened a washout gate due to rising water levels, affecting municipalities like Norzagaray, Angat, and Bustos.
Dr. Marcelino Villafuerte of PAGASA mentioned that despite lower levels at Magat Dam, flood precautions are in place as nearby watersheds may raise levels in the next 24 hours, impacting Isabela communities such as Ramon and San Mateo.
Meanwhile, La Mesa Dam in Quezon City has already exceeded its overflow level of 80.15 meters, reaching 80.20 meters as of 8 a.m. Water from the dam is expected to affect areas along the Tullahan River in Quezon City, Valenzuela City, and Malabon City.
