MANILA, Philippines — The La Mesa Dam in Quezon City was at a “critical elevation” as a tropical storm was forecast to hit either Northern or Central Luzon, a state meteorologist said.
Pagasa’s Hydrometeorological Division specialist Richard Orendain shared the update during the Office of Civil Defense’s press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, stating, “Nasa medyo critical elevation ‘yung La Mesa Dam for now (The La Mesa Dam is somewhat at a critical elevation for now).”
Tropical storm Man-yi was spotted outside the country’s area of responsibility but will be given the local name Pepito when it enters the boundary, according to Pagasa.
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As of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, La Mesa Dam’s water level was at 79.55 meters, slightly below its normal high of 80.15 meters. The dam has no gates to release water.
“Pagdating, gayunpaman, ni Pepito dito sa Central Luzon, Metro Manila maaapektuhan and ang La Mesa Dam is located in Quezon City, so posibleng umapaw itong La Mesa Dam,” Orendain added.
(If Pepito reaches Central Luzon, it will affect Metro Manila, and since La Mesa Dam is located in Quezon City, there’s a possibility it could spill.)
The weather bureau said Pepito may strengthen into a typhoon by Thursday and make landfall in Northern or Central Luzon by Sunday.
Orendain also warned that if the La Mesa Dam reaches spilling level and the water level at the Tullahan River downstream hits a critical height, forced evacuations could be required in riverside communities.
The warning comes as Typhoon Ofel (international name: Toraji) is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast of either Isabela or Cagayan on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Photo from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration website
Meanwhile, the Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet continued to release water at a rate of 165.83 cubic meters per second through two gates as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Binga Dam in Itogon town, also in Benguet province, likewise kept releasing water at a rate of 178.93 cubic meters per second through three gates.
Similarly, the Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela released water at a rate of 805.56 cubic meters per second through two gates.
On the other hand, the gates at the San Roque Dam in San Manuel, Pangasinan were confirmed closed at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.