PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto declared a red alert on Monday, July 21, following the rising water level of Wawa Dam, which is nearing its critical overflow point due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Sotto announced the alert level increase at 12 p.m., citing the dam’s proximity to its critical water level of 135 meters above sea level.
By noon, the water level had reached 134.06 meters, a significant increase of 1.22 meters (approximately four feet) since 8 a.m. Mayor Sotto warned residents that the Marikina River is expected to swell once the dam overflows, posing a significant flood risk to low-lying areas.
The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) subsequently raised the second alarm at 1:53 p.m. as the Marikina River reached 16 meters, rising to 16.20 meters within just 20 minutes. These water level readings were based on the Sto. Niño Water Level Gauging Station.
The rapid increase in water levels underscores the severity of the situation and the urgency of the city’s response. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
