La Mesa Dam on red alert; evacuation urged

MANILA, Philippines - Red alert was hoisted over La Mesa dam on Monday morning following the incessant heavy rains since Sunday.

Former senator and Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon is urging residents near the water reservoir to evacuate.

As of 2 a.m. the elevation of water level at the La Mesa Dam was 79.61 meters and 54 centimeters below overflow level, according to Gordon.

The PAGASA-Flood Forecasting and Warning Section said the water level at La Mesa Dam has reached 79.69 as of 6 a.m.

"If you know anyone who lives near the path of La Mesa Dam, please call them NOW and tell them to evacuate as soon as possible!" Gordon said on his Facebook account.

"Residents along Tullahan River are requested to evacuate as elevation is expected to rise further due to rains and minimum demand. Action centers are requested to enforce evacuation,” he added.

Some major reservoirs have been releasing water since Sunday after reaching spilling level. The status of these reservoirs as of 6 a.m., according to PAGASA:

Angat - 193.95m,
Ipo - 100.28 with 1 gate open at 0.3 m
Ambuklao - 749.71m with 5 gates open at 7.5 m
Binga - 574.13 m with 6 gates open at 9.5 m
San Roque - 257.70 m
Pantabangan - 189.53 m
Caliraya - 287.09 m
Magat Dam - 191.42 m with 1 gate open at 2 m

The Philippine Red Cross has also released a list of evacuation centers in Metro Manila:

Mandaluyong City
1. Mandaluyong Elementary School

Paranaque City
1. Tambo Elementary School (Main)

Quezon City
1. Senior Citizen Building cor. Victory Ave., Tatalon

West Rizal - San Mateo
1. Central Elementary School
2. Dona Pepeng Bato (Brgy. Banaba)
3. Maly Elementary School
4. Brgy. Sta Ana Covered Court

Makati
1. Brgy. Bangkal Sports Complex

Valenzuela City
1. Valenzuela National High School

Marikina
1. H. Bautista Elem. School
2. Malanday
3. Bulelak Covered Court
4. Nangka Elementary School
5. Filipinas Village Gym
6. Concepcion Elementary School
7. Concepcion Integrated School

San Juan
1. Rivera Barangay Hall
2. Salapan Barangay Hall