Dams reach near spilling levels, open gates

MANILA, Philippines—Heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression “Ferdie” have caused dams to reach near spilling levels, the state weather bureau said Saturday.

Binga Dam in Benguet opened one gate at 0.5meter after its water level reached 574.12 meters, with a critical level of 575.00 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, with a critical level of 80.15 meters, has reached 79.18meters, while Ipo Dam in Bulacan has reached 99.78 meters, with a spilling level of 100.80

Meanwhile, Caliraya Dam in Quezon has reached 287.61 meters, with a spilling level of 288.00

Tropical depression “Ferdie” has slightly accelerated as it continues to traverse Balintang Channel, a small waterway that separates Babuyan Islands and Batanes province.

As of 7:00 a.m., it was seen 90 km north northwest of Laoag City, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.

Originally posted: 11:18 am | Saturday, July 21st, 2012