MANILA, Philippines — La Mesa Dam in Quezon City reached its spilling level on Saturday afternoon, August 29, as persistent heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, continued to drench Metro Manila and nearby areas.
The Quezon City government urged residents living in low-lying communities along the Tullahan River to take precautionary measures and evacuate when necessary as excess water from the dam could worsen flooding downstream.
As of 1:50 p.m. Saturday, the water level at La Mesa Dam reached 80.15 meters, its official spilling elevation, according to the Quezon City local government. Earlier in the day, PAGASA had warned that the dam’s water level was likely to continue rising due to significant rainfall already recorded and forecasts of more rain.
Why La Mesa Dam’s Spilling Level Matters
When La Mesa Dam reaches or exceeds its spilling level, excess water can flow into the Tullahan River system, raising the risk of flooding in vulnerable and low-lying communities downstream.
Authorities have repeatedly warned residents near the river to remain alert, particularly in parts of Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon, and Navotas that may be affected by rising waters. Previous PAGASA advisories have specifically identified communities along the Tullahan River as areas requiring heightened vigilance during dam overflow events.
The danger is not merely theoretical. Earlier this month, heavy Habagat rains pushed La Mesa Dam above its spilling level, triggering evacuations in Quezon City and Malabon as water levels in nearby communities and waterways rose. Reports at the time showed families moving to evacuation centers as authorities monitored conditions along the Tullahan River.
Metro Manila Under Heavy Rainfall Threat
The latest development comes as the Southwest Monsoon continues to bring intense rainfall across parts of Luzon. On Saturday afternoon, PAGASA also placed several areas—including Metro Manila—under elevated rainfall warnings, with a Red Rainfall Warning indicating a serious flooding threat in flood-prone locations.
Continuous rainfall remains a major concern because additional water entering the dam’s watershed could further affect water levels and downstream communities.
Residents Urged: Don’t Wait Until Floodwaters Rise
Officials are urging residents in vulnerable areas, especially those near riverbanks and low-lying sections along the Tullahan River, to closely monitor official advisories and follow evacuation instructions from their local governments and disaster-response authorities.
Residents are advised to prepare essential belongings, keep communication devices charged, and avoid crossing flooded roads or fast-moving waters.
The situation remains highly dependent on rainfall and water-level conditions. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring La Mesa Dam and surrounding waterways as the Habagat persists.
For residents living near the Tullahan River, the message is clear: stay alert, follow official warnings, and be ready to move when authorities say it is time to evacuate.
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