Red Alert at La Mesa Dam as rains continue

As the La Mesa Dam water level reaches 88.30 meters, it automatically releases water when it reaches its overflow limit of 80.15 meters. The released water will add to the water level in the Tullahan River. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—La Mesa Dam in Quezon City went on red alert Tuesday as water level reached 79.52 meters as of 11a.m., according to Manila Water Co. Inc., which monitors the water level in the dam.

The red alert was declared at 11:45 a.m., Manila Water communications manager Jeric Sevilla said via text message.

The water level at the reservoir increased by 4 centimeters per hour during the previous three hours with the height reaching 79.52 meters at 11 a.m., Sevilla said.

La Mesa is a spill dam, much like a giant infinity pool. The level at which water starts to overflow is 80.15 meters.

The excess water flows into the Tullahan River, which flows through the northern part of Quezon City, including the Fairview area, as well as the cities of Malabon, Valenzuela, and Caloocan. The river drains into Manila Bay.

As such, local government units or LGUs downstream of Tullahan River monitor the water levels in case households have to be evacuated due to expected flooding when La Mesa spills over amid heavy rains.