2 Bulacan dams breach spilling level

MALOLOS, Philippines — Continuous heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon have raised the water level in Bustos and Ipo dams in Bulacan beyond their spilling marks, prompting operators to discharge excess water on Friday.

As of 1 p.m. yesterday, the water level in Ipo was at 101.63 meters or 63 centimeters above its spilling level.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office said Ipo released 323 cubic meters per second of water toward Bustos Dam.

Meanwhile, the elevation in Angat Dam increased to 195.12 meters, which was still short by 16.88 meters than its normal-high water level during the rainy season.

Enrique Carlos, manager of the National Irrigation Administration- Bulacan, told The STAR that as of 2 p.m. yesterday, operators of Bustos continued to release water toward the dam’s downstream river system.

Water discharged from Bustos and Ipo flows to a river that passes through the towns of Bustos, San Rafael, Baliwag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit and Hagonoy before draining out to Manila Bay.

Residents have been advised to remain alert as the river might overflow and submerged low-lying areas.