Angat, 5 other dams’ water level down

MANILA, Philippines — The water levels in Angat and five other dams in the country continue to drop despite rains experienced in many parts of the country, according to latest data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 6 a.m. yesterday, the water level of Angat Dam decreased to 193.30 meters or 0.25 meters less compared to its previous level of 193.55 meters on Wednesday morning. Metro Manila and other areas had rains on Wednesday brought by localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the current level of Angat Dam is still 7.89 meters away from its rule curve level (the level needed for the dam to fulfill its functions) of 185.41 meters. Angat supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs and provides for the irrigation needs of 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga provinces.

The water levels of La Mesa Dam in Quezon City also dropped to 76.82 meters from its previous level of 76.83 meters or 0.01 meters less; San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, 231.58 meters from the previous 231.75 meters or 0.17 meters less; Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija, 181.14 meters from the previous 181.26 meters or reduction of 0.12 meters; Magat Dam in Isabela, 178.13 meters compared to 178.20 meters or 0.07 meters less; and Caliraya Dam in Laguna, 286.45 meters compared to 286.58 meters or a reduction of 0.13 meters.

Meanwhile, the highest heat index on Wednesday was recorded in Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar – each registering at 45 degrees Celsius; Dagupan City and Roxas City in Capiz followed with 44 degrees Celsius.