Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Residents living close to the Tullahan River were advised to evacuate their homes Wednesday (July 8) due to the rising water level of the La Mesa Dam, which is now under red alert.
“The current elevation… is above [the] normal elevation that covers the red range,” said engineer Teddy Angeles, La Mesa Dam plant manager.
Plant officials recommended preemptive evacuation of communities along Tullahan River and may even issue a forced evacuation within the day, depending on the rate of the water flow.
Below are the areas included in the list released by the La Mesa Dam management:
Quezon City
North Fairview
Greater Fairview
Sta. Lucia
Gulod
San Bartolome
Sta. Monica
Novaliches Proper
Nagkaisang Nayon
San Agustin
Valenzuela
District 1
Polo
District 2
Gen. T. de Leon
Maconacon
Ugong
Karuhatan
Maysan
Parada
Paso de Blas
Bagbaguin
Mapulang Lupa
According to Angeles, the rise in water levels is the result of heavy rains during the day and the low demand for water during the previous evening.
But considering the current water increase rate at the La Mesa Dam (2 cm per hour), people may still have a day to prepare before the predicted overflow.
Angeles also warned the affected residents of blackouts — these are expected to occur in the event of a water spillage.
