Monsoon causes widespread flooding in Philippines

Water levels across major dams in the Philippines continue to rise due to the heavy rains caused by the south-west monsoon.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Metro Manila’s largest source of water, the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City was overflowing with water levels reaching 80.54m, well above the danger level of 80.15m.

The situation was further compounded by the opening of two gates at the Ipo Dam in Bulacan, after its water level crossed the spilling level of 101.8m. Part of the water released from the Ipo Dam reaches La Mesa.

The Ambuklao Dam in Benguet also decided to release water by opening two of its gates due to water levels hitting 751.72m level, perilously close to the spilling level of 752m.

Three gates at the Binga Dam in Benguet were opened after water level crossed the spilling limit of 280m.

PAGASA flood forecasting and warning system detected critical water levels at San Mateo, Rizal and at Tumana Bridge, Sto Niño, and Marcos Highway raising fears of widespread floods.

Philippine’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been quoted as saying that the unabated rains have caused massive flooding in Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions leaving more than 53,000 families or 250,000 persons displaced.

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Image: Heavy rains caused dams in Philippines to release water which caused flooding. Photo: Ramon FVelasquez.