Angat Dam hits maximum level

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the threat of a severe El Niño, the water level in Angat Dam reached its maximum level yesterday.

As of 6 a.m., the water level had risen to 213.09 meters or 0.28 meters higher compared to its previous level of 212.81 meters.

“We’ve made a request to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to consider allowing the Angat reservoir to reach 214 meters to provide an extra buffer for our operations,” Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) division manager Patrick Dizon said.

He said the NWRB should allow the water level in the dam to reach 214 meters before releasing water.

The NWRB opened the spill gates of the reservoir when the water level reached 212 meters early this month.

Angat Dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs. It also provides for the irrigation of 25,000 hectares of rice fields in Bulacan and Pampanga.

Dizon said Metro Manila is ready for the possible impact of El Niño, noting that a majority of mitigating and augmentation measures have been completed.

“In addition, we have achieved our target yearend Angat reservoir elevation of 212 meters,” Dizon told The STAR.

He said the MWSS, Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water have been preparing to lessen the effect of El Niño.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said 65 provinces are likely to be hit hard by El Niño next year.

Solidum said the effects of El Niño are being felt in some areas in the country, which is characterized by reduced rainfall of up to 80 percent.

He said a majority of global climate models suggest that El Niño would persist until the second quarter of 2024.

LPA to develop into tropical cyclone

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area (LPA) is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility today and may develop into tropical cyclone Kabayan, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the LPA could bring rains over parts of the Visayas and Mindanao tomorrow.

The LPA was monitored 1,280 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao as of 3 p. m. yesterday.

PAGASA said there is a possibility that the LPA would develop into a tropical depression as it nears the Philippine landmass in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The northeast monsoon, on the other hand, is affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

Isolated rains are forecast over Ilocos, the Cordilleras, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon, but no significant impact is expected.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may see isolated rains due to easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned the public of flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.