By Jojo Mangahis
Angat Dam | PIA PHOTO
Due to heavy rains, the water level at the Angat Dam has exceeded its 180 meters minimum operating level (MOL) which will result in improved water supply for Luzon areas.
Hydrologist Jason Bausa of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that Angat Dam’s water level earlier this month plunged below the MOL as rainfall was not enough.
When the dam’s water level hits the MOL, the release for irrigation is stopped to ensure water supply for Metro Manila.
As of 6 a.m. yesterday, August 27, Angat’s water level was at 180.75 meters already according to PAGASA’s Dam Water Level Update.
Expected rain for the last week of August will further boost Angat’s water level to a more secure, above the minimum operating level of 180 meters.
According to PAGASA, aside from its forecasted two to four tropical cyclones in the Philippine area of responsibility, thunderstorms and low-pressure areas also bring rains that can impact on the country’s weather during the August 2019-January 2020 period.
PAGASA forecaster Ezra Bulquerin bared that Tropical Storm Ineng will boost “habagat” which will lead to more rains in Luzon over this weekend.
Meanwhile, an LPA outside PAR may enter next week that could develop into a tropical cyclone that will trigger more monsoon rains and significantly improve the level in Angat Dam to a more secure level.