Significant Dams Approach Overflow Capacity Due to Intense Rainfall — Key Information Inside

Heavy Rainfall in Luzon: Balancing Drought Relief and Flood Risks

In recent weeks, significant rainfall has swept across Luzon, the Philippines’ largest and most densely populated island, due to a strengthened southwest monsoon and several tropical cyclones. Multiple reservoirs in the region have recorded heightened water levels, prompting officials to open various gates to mitigate the risk of overflow, according to reports from GMA News.

This surge in rainfall comes as a welcome relief after a prolonged period of drought that has afflicted the country for the past two years, driven largely by the phenomenon known as El Niño, which has resulted in critical water shortages and adverse agricultural conditions. The United Nations noted that these droughts have impacted nearly one million families in the Philippines, creating dire challenges including crop failures, compromised food security, and increased poverty levels.

Severe Tropical Storm Opong, alongside the monsoon, has led to significant rises in water levels in at least six major dams, including Angat Dam, which serves as Metro Manila’s primary water source. Reports indicate that the dam experienced a nearly half-foot increase in water levels within a single day, bringing it within ten feet of its optimal capacity of 688 feet. This dam not only provides water for urban consumption but also serves agricultural needs in surrounding provinces.

In Northern Luzon, the Ambuklao Dam has reached an impressive 2,465 feet, just two feet below its normal operating capacity. In response to rising water levels, officials have mandated the opening of two gates to release excess water, ensuring safety for local communities.

While the southwest monsoon, referred to locally as “habagat,” is essential for replenishing water supplies critical for agriculture, hydroelectric energy generation, and domestic use, the rapid accumulation of rainwater can also pose significant flooding threats, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas. Early October saw the evacuation of at least 55 families in Ifugao as excess water from the Magat Dam prompted a high-risk alert in the area, as reported by Philstar Global.

The recent influx of water into reservoirs is a positive development that may help mitigate some of the negative impacts of the preceding drought, including decreasing drought-stricken lands and improving water availability for both agricultural and domestic purposes. Save the Children highlighted the severity of the recent droughts, indicating that they forced families to withdraw children from school to engage in farming activities in an effort to survive financially.

Looking ahead, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) predicts above-normal rainfall through February 2026 due to the onset of La Niña conditions. This prediction brings hope for a recovery in agricultural productivity, allowing communities to rebound from the extensive challenges posed by the drought.

As Filipinos navigate the complexities of responding to extreme weather events, the dual nature of the monsoon season serves as a reminder of the balance required between managing rainfall for agricultural benefit and mitigating the risks of flooding.