Angat Dam’s water reduced as rain increases elevation

MALOLOS, Philippines — Operators of Angat Dam in Bulacan yesterday released water after the reservoir’s elevation increased above its normal high water level.

Maria Teresa Serra, manager of the flood forecasting and warning system division of the National Power Corp., said the dam released 73 cubic meters of water to downstream river systems.

Serra said that continuous moderate rain over Angat’s watershed in the past few days increased the dam’s elevation.

As of 11 a.m. yesterday, Angat’s elevtion was 215.35 meters or 3.35 meters above its normal high water level of 212 meters.

Manuel Lukban Jr. of the Bulacan disaster risk reduction and management office said that water spilled from Angat Dam would pass through river systems in Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliwag, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit, Paombong and Hagonoy before flowing into the Manila Bay.

Local officials have been advised about the opening of the dam’s floodgates.

Aside from Angat, the nearby Ipo Dam also released water as a preemptive measure after the reservoir exceeded its normal water level of 101.1 meters.