Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The La Mesa Dam remained on red alert Thursday (July 9) as its water level continues to sit centimeters below spilling level, urging the plant management to reiterate its advisory for preemptive evacuation.
As of 10 a.m., the La Mesa Dam’s water level was 79.69 meters. Earlier today, it was at 79.60 meters — not so far from its spilling level of 80.15 meters. Although lower than Wednesday night’s (July 8) 79.74 meters, Angeles said that this decrease doesn’t remove the threat of spillage.
“That’s why we’re still standing by our recommendation for the preemptive evacuation of residents along Tullahan River from Quezon City down to Valenzuela, Malabon, and Navotas,” said La Mesa Dam facility manager Engr. Teddy Angeles in an interview with CNN Philippines on Thursday.
“We’re still monitoring [the water level], we’re still on red alert. And we’ll stay that way until it’s (water level) reversed back to normal level.”
According to Angeles, the water’s elevation largely depends on the rainfall. He also previously explained that low demand for water at night could also affect the dam’s water level.
Related: Residents urged to evacuate before La Mesa Dam overflows
The facility manager added that there’s no way to predict exactly when the overflow will happen. In fact, it may not happen at all if and when rain stops.
But Angeles stressed the importance of being disaster-ready whatever the situation.
“Mahirap na pong manghula. Ang mahalaga lang we stay prepared for any ‘uneventualities’ brought about by the heavy rains that would come later in the day,” he said.
[Translation: It’s difficult to guess. What’s important is we stay prepared for any outcome brought about by the heavy rains that would come later in the day.”]
He also said that his office has been coordinating with local government units and their respective action centers for evacuation in affected areas.
