La Mesa Dam water level rises, then falls; Binga may release more

State meteorologists warned on Wednesday that La Mesa Dam's water level would rise due to rains from Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon ('habagat'), leading to an overflow by evening, urging residents near Tullahan River in Quezon City, Valenzuela City, and Malabon City to be alert for possible flooding.

By Thursday morning, however, PAGASA reported that La Mesa Dam's water level had decreased to 80.13 meters, slightly below the normal high of 80.15 meters, indicating no further overflow.

Hydrologist Elmer Caringal advised residents to remain vigilant as Binga Dam may release additional water on Thursday afternoon due to the threat of continued rains from enhanced southwest monsoon.

PAGASA's latest Hydrological Situationer for La Mesa Dam confirmed that excess floodwaters had affected low-lying areas along Tullahan River in Quezon City and Valenzuela City, including Fairview, Forest Hills subdivision, Quirino Highway, Sta. Quiteria, San Bartolome, Barangay Ligon, North Expressway, and La Huerta Subdivision.

The local government of Quezon City had evacuated a total of 12,220 families or 41,685 individuals as of 5 p.m., with PAGASA issuing a red rainfall warning in Metro Manila and surrounding areas due to the threat of serious flooding in flood-prone areas.

Rainfall data showed Quezon City had received 217mm over a 24-hour period from July 23 to July 24, less than half of what Tropical Storm Ondoy dumped in 2009, but causing significant flooding due to urban development and obstruction in waterways.