Inclement weather due to the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon – locally called “habagat” – could last until the weekend and may affect the western section of Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.
Typhoon “Helen” (international name “Megi”) has been lowered to a low pressure area after making landfall over China yesterday but continued to enhance the habagat that brought light to moderate rains over Luzon and Western Visayas.
Due to persistent rains, La Mesa Dam in Quezon City was placed on red alert on Thursday for its possible overflow.
As of Thursday morning, the level of La Mesa Dam was 79.91 meters, just 21 centimeters from its spilling level.
PAGASA issues a red alert status once La Mesa Dam reaches the 79.5-meter critical level.
The dam has no gates only allowing the water to spill and flow into the nearby Tullahan River that could cause flooding in areas on the swelling river.
Areas that may be affected with the possible overflow are Fairview, Forest Hills, Quirino Highway, Papri, Goodwill, Sta. Quiteria, and San Bartolome in Quezon City, Barangay Ligon on the North Luzon Expressway in Valenzuela City, and Malabon City. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)