Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has said the water levels of Angat Dam and other major dams in Luzon gradually improved following the rains brought by Super Typhoon Egay and Tropical Storm Dodong.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, NWRB chief Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said the water level of Angat Dam, particularly, reached 195 meters as of Monday.
David said the significant increase in Angat Dam's water level is a huge improvement to provide ample water supply for Metro Manila residents.
Angat Dam supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila's drinking water and contributes to the hydropower supply to the Luzon Grid and irrigation supply to Bulacan and parts of Pampanga's rice lands.
"Doon sa mga pagmo-monitor po natin… ito pong Bagyong Egay at may nauna nga po, iyong Bagyong Dodong, ay nagkaroon po, nagdulot po ng mga pag-ulan, nakapagpataas po ng mga level ng mga major dams po natin partikular po dito sa Luzon island po, at iyan po ay nagtaasan (Based on our monitoring…the rains brought on by Typhoon Egay and Tropical Storm Dodong helped raise the water level of major dams particularly in the Luzon island)," David said.
"At malaki po ang naitulong nitong mga pag-ulan sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon po natin na pag-recharge po ng mga dam natin (The rains significantly improved our current situation as these recharged our dams)," he added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on July 4 the onset of El Niño in the country, which is expected to last until the first quarter of 2024.
PAGASA said the phenomenon is showing signs of strengthening in the coming months.
Near normal rainfall conditions are likely to be experienced in August and September, while below to near normal in October.
Most areas will experience below-normal rainfall conditions from November this year to January 2024, the weather bureau added.
Dry conditions are expected in 40 provinces while dry spells in 26 provinces are seen by the end of December this year.
Various agencies are also implementing preparedness measures and public information campaigns to raise awareness on the impact of El Niño. (PNA)
