Paeng increases Angat’s water level

MALOLOS, Philippines — Rain induced by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng increased the water level in Angat Dam in Bulacan to a more comfortable level yesterday.

Robert dela Cruz, manager of the National Irrigation Administration in Bulacan, said that as of noon yesterday, the water level was at 197.80 meters.

The figure is 17.80 meters above Angat’s critical level of 180 meters, and 14.20 meters below the normal high level of 212 meters.

Meanwhile, the nearby Bustos Dam stopped releasing water yesterday after its elevation receded to 16.91 meters or 0.44 meter below its spilling level of 17.35 meters.

Two weeks ago, the National Water Resources Board raised Angat’s water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 46 cubic meters per second to 48 cms due to a water shortage in Metro Manila.

Angat’s water level at the time was 189.32 meters or 9.32 meters above its 180-meter critical level or 22.68 meters below its normal high level of 212 meters.

The Angat Dam does not only supply 97 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs, but it also provides hydroelectric power to the Luzon grid as well as irrigates rice farms in Bulacan and parts of Pampanga.

Normally, when the end-of-the-year water elevation of Angat Dam is 212 meters, the potable water requirement for Metro Manila and irrigation supply needs of Bulacan and parts of Pampanga for the summer months are ensured.

Paeng destroys 22 roads

Twenty-two roads nationwide were destroyed by Paeng, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said road repairs by the agency‘s quick response teams were ongoingto keep roads passable again to motorists.

“I assured the public that the DPWH will do its best to restore safe travel and facilitate quick response efforts,” Bonoan said.

He said access to seven national roads were limited as of yesterday.