La Mesa Dam water level drops below spill level, easing flood risks

MANILA, Philippines — The water level of La Mesa dam is expected to decrease after it reached its spilling levels on Wednesday morning due to southwest monsoon-induced rains, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) said.

“The water level of LA MESA Dam as of 5:00 PM is 80.12 meters, below its overflow level, and is expected to decrease gradually,” Pag-asa said in its 5:30 p.m. Facebook advisory.

“Water from LA MESA Dam may no longer expected to affect the low-lying areas along the Tullahan River from Quezon City (Fairview, Forest Hills Subd., Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria, and San Bartolome), Valenzuela (North Expressway, La Huerta Subd.) and Malabon,” the advisory added.

However, the state bureau still advised the residents living in nearby areas and river banks to take precautionary measures.

According to the afternoon weather forecast, the southwest monsoon still affects most parts of Luzon and Visayas where occasional heavy rains are expected.

As of 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the dam’s water level was measured at 80.16 meters, way above the spilling level of 80.15 meters. This early morning weather forecast stated that southwest monsoon-induced rains would prevail in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas.

READ: La Mesa Dam reaches spilling level amid monsoon rains