Alerts raised as dams near spilling levels

La Mesa Dam, where spilling level is 80.15 meters: water elevation sign as of early Sunday hints at peril. The water level has further risen to 79.59 meters as of Sunday night,, prompting an alert for cities and towns seen to be affected by flooding. BERNARD TESTA, INTERAKASYON.COM

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE 10:10 PM) Authorities are continuously monitoring the dam levels across the country as some dams have already reached spilling levels due to incessant rains. The La Mesa Dam has a reported level of 79.59 meters, close to the spilling level of 80.15 meters.

"The continuing increase of the water elevation of La Mesa Dam causing excess water to overflow is expected to affect the low-lying areas along the Tullahan River, Fairview, Novaliches and the CAMANAVA area. All the  residents living in the aforementioned areas are advised to be alert for possible increase in the water level downstream," the NDRRMC said.

Meanwhile, the Ipo Dam has reported a decrease in water levels from the 100.80 meters reported at 6 a.m. Sunday down to 100.57 meters as of 12 p.m. Sunday. However, this level is still close to the spilling level of 100.80 meters.

Binga Dam is also nearing spilling level at 574.47 meters. Spilling level is at 575 meters.

Earlier on Sunday, authorities raised flood alerts after two dams neared their spilling levels with water in two other dams also rising swiftly.

As of 6 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said water at the Ipo Dam had reached 100.80 meters.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council the dam’s management may start opening the spillway gates once the water level reaches 101 meters.

The agency alerted residents along the Angat River, particularly those in low-lying areas from Norzagaray to Hagonoy, to possible flooding. "All residents living in the aforementioned areas are advised to be on alert for possible increase in the water levels downstream," the NDRRMC said in its advisory.

The water in La Mesa Dam has also neared spilling level, rising to 79.51 meters at 6 p.m. Sunday. The dam’s spilling level is 80.15 meters.

At the Binga Dam, where the spilling level is 575 meters, the water is already at 574.08 meters, while at the Magat Dam, the water level is at 188.06 meters; spilling level is 190 meters.

The NDRRMC has raised a red alert due to tropical storm "Gener."

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