THE La Mesa Dam in Quezon City is nearing its spilling level due to persistent heavy rainfall brought about by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
As of 8:00 a.m. today, the dam’s water level reached 76.6 meters, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). With Metro Manila forecast to experience moderate to heavy rains (50-100 millimeters), Pagasa warns that the dam will overflow if the water level reaches 80.1 meters. Low-lying areas along the Tullahan River in Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Malabon City, and other nearby regions are at risk of flooding.
Pagasa’s broader weather advisory issued earlier this morning indicates that several other areas in Luzon and the western part of the country will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall.
These include Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. The agency cautions that localized flooding is likely in urbanized, low-lying areas and near rivers, while landslides are possible in highly susceptible areas.
The ongoing southwest monsoon, combined with a low-pressure area (LPA 07g) located 950 kilometers east-northeast of Eastern Visayas, is contributing to the widespread rainfall. PAGASA continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as needed.
