Bustos, Ipo Dams in Bulacan release water due to heavy rains

Even though Severe Tropical Strom Paeng did not hit Bulacan directly, the local government prepared for the possible impact of the cyclone.

According to Dano Tincungco's report on "24 Oras Weekend," authorities closely monitored coastal and river areas in case the rain continued to intensify amid the rising of the tide.

They also monitored low-lying areas such as Marilao and Meycauayan. No serious flooding was recorded except for the water accumulation at the Guiguinto footbridge due to heavy rain.

Meanwhile, the Bustos Dam started releasing water on Friday night, opening two gates at one meter each as the water level reached 17.17 meters. They increased the gate openings to 2.5 meters early Saturday.

Ipo Dam also released water at 60 cubic meters per second at 3 p.m. on Saturday as the water level reached 100.19 meters — close to the spilling level of 101 meters.

“Yung mga ilog naman natin ngayon ay normal pa. Meron lang isa na medyo binabantayan namin. 'Yung ilog Marilao dahil medyo tumataas ng konti. Pero so far lahat naman ng rivers natin ay normal na,“ said Acting Governor Alex Castro.

(So far our rivers are still at normal level. There is one though that we are closely monitoring - the river in Marilao because its water level has risen slightly. But so far, all rivers are at normal level.)

Meanwhile, the Bulacan Provincial Government continued to prepare for the possible effects of Paeng. Rescue teams and evacuation centers were readied, especially those near the province's danger zones. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM/KG, GMA News