DESPITE frequent downpours in Luzon, including Metro Manila, the water elevation in Angat Dam, Bulacan continues to plunge, experiencing a significant decrease of .20 centimeters to .30 centimeters a day.
Danilo Flores, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services and Administration hydrologist, said the dam’s level dipped to 178 meters as of Tuesday at 6 a.m.
“Unfortunately, thunderstorms or localized rains did not fall in the watershed of Angat in the past days,” he told The Standard.
Another hydrologist, Elmer Caringal, said at least one typhoon with an average of 110 millimeters of rain is needed to bring Angat Dam’s level to normalcy.
He said 1,420 millimeters of rain or an equivalent of 4 billion drums could increase the dam’s level. This is the equivalent of four strong southwest monsoon rains, or one typhoon.
Meanwhile, Salvador “Buddy” Javier, weather forecaster, said the rainy season is approaching with localized thunderstorms experienced in some parts of Metro Manila.
Another forecaster, Fernando Cada, said the intense heat brought about convective activity and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds are causing the thunderstorms.