La Mesa Dam water level seen to rise more, overflow looms

(INQUIRER FILR PHOTO/ JAM STA ROSA)

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MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — La Mesa Dam’s water level is expected to rise due to rains brought by Super Typhoon Carina, state meteorologists said on Wednesday as it urged residents near Tullahan River to be alert for possible flooding.

As of 11:50 a.m., the water level in La Mesa dam was at 79.41 meters, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) hydrological situationer.

However, as of 4:00 p.m., the water level reached 80 meters, according to Pagasa’s second update.

Upon reaching 80.15 meters, Pagasa said excess water from La Mesa Dam is expected to overflow.

Should this occur, residents from low-lying areas along Tullahan River in Quezon City (Barangay Fairview, Forest Hills Subd. Sta Quiteria, and San Bartolome); in Valenzuela City (Barangay Ligon, Barangay North Expressway and La Huerta Subdivision); and Malabon City, should be on alert.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina

“All the residents living in the aforementioned areas, especially those near the river banks are advised to be alert for possible flooding,” Pagasa said.

Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is forecast to trigger heavy rains in Metro Manila and many parts of Luzon, according to the state weather bureau.

Super Typhoon Carina’s center is located 380 km north of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gustiness of up to 230 kph, according to Pagasa’s 5:00 p.m. update.

READ: Carina intensifies into super typhoon — Pagasa