Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan. (INQUIRER file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs, has climbed to 193 meters or 13 meters above the minimum operating level of 180 meters, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The state weather bureau said the increase was caused by the continuous rain showers brought by the combined effects of Typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri) and the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
Based on its 6 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa said that Angat Dam’s water level slightly increased from 191.70 meters on July 29 to 193.84 meters on July 30.
Aside from Angat, the other dams’ water levels likewise increased over the past 24 hours: La Mesa (from 79.58 to 79.79 meters); Binga (from 574.58 to 574.63 meters); San Roque (from 257.25 to 258.51 meters); Pantabangan (from 186.33 to 186.97 meters); and Magat (from 172.75 to 174.29 meters).
Meanwhile, the water levels of the three remaining dams decreased. Among them are Ipo (from 101.06 to 101.05 meters); Ambuklao (from 751.71 to 751.41 meters); and Caliraya (from 286.69 to 286.55 meters).
The state weather bureau declared the onset of El Niño on July 4, projecting that Metro Manila and 35 other areas may experience a dry spell in December this year due to the phenomenon.