Ipo Dam Unleashes Water — Massive Floods Expected in Bulacan Towns!

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"Ipo Dam sa Bulacan, nagpakawala na ng Tubig, dapat na maging alerto ang mga residente na nasa mabababang lugar na madalas bahain..."

The release of water from Ipo Dam in Bulacan can have serious and immediate effects, especially for communities located in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Here's a breakdown of the possible impacts:

Immediate Effects

Flooding in Downstream Areas

Municipalities and barangays near the Angat River and its tributaries may experience sudden rise in water levels.

Areas in Norzagaray, San Rafael, Angat, Baliwag, and nearby towns could be affected depending on the volume released.

Overflow in Rivers and Canals

Local waterways may overflow, especially if there has been recent heavy rainfall that already saturated the soil and raised water levels.

Submersion of Roads and Farmlands

Roads, agricultural lands, and residential zones near rivers can be submerged, causing transportation issues and crop damage.

Safety and Preparedness Concerns

Evacuation Alerts

Residents in low-lying areas may need to evacuate immediately to avoid being trapped by rising waters.

Disruption of Power and Services

Flooding can cause power outages, loss of potable water, and disruption of emergency response.

Risk to Lives and Property

There’s a real threat to life, property, and livestock, particularly in communities that have no proper flood control infrastructure.

What Residents Should Do

Stay Tuned to Alerts – Monitor updates from PAGASA, NDRRMC, LGUs, and local media.

Prepare for Evacuation – Pack essentials: food, water, clothes, medicine, documents, flashlight.

Avoid Riverbanks – Don’t attempt to cross flooded areas or rivers even if the current seems manageable.

Coordinate with Barangay Officials – Follow local instructions, especially for evacuation or relocation.

Ipo Dam is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system, and when it exceeds its spilling level (usually around 101 meters), it automatically releases water to protect dam integrity.

If Angat Dam is also nearing its spilling level, combined releases may worsen flooding.

If you'd like a real-time update on which barangays are affected or maps showing flood-prone areas near Ipo Dam, I can assist with that too. Just let me know!

Which cities and towns will be clearly affected?

When Ipo Dam in Bulacan releases water, the areas most clearly affected are those downstream along the Angat River and its connected waterways. The dam’s outflow can travel rapidly, especially if compounded by rainfall or releases from Angat Dam and La Mesa Dam.

Here’s a list of cities and towns that are most at risk of flooding or water level rise due to Ipo Dam's water release:

BULACAN PROVINCE

These are directly along the Angat River system:

1. Norzagaray

The town where Ipo Dam is located.

Barangays along Angat River are at high risk.

Often the first to feel the impact of water release.

2. Angat

Lies just downstream of Norzagaray.

Frequently affected by river swelling and flash floods.

3. San Rafael

Angat River cuts through several barangays here.

Known for recurrent overflowing rivers and submerged roads.

4. Baliwag

Low-lying areas especially near rivers are at risk.

Prone to widespread flooding during dam releases combined with heavy rain.

5. Plaridel

Along the Quingua River, which connects to Angat River.

Water discharge could spill over into these tributaries.

6. Pulilan

Flood-prone barangays near riverbanks.

Often affected when water backs up through interconnected rivers.

7. Calumpit

A major catchment for water from upstream towns.

One of the most flood-prone areas in Bulacan.

Can be severely flooded when Angat and Pampanga Rivers swell.

PAMPANGA PROVINCE

When water flow continues beyond Calumpit, it affects:

8. Apalit

Situated where Bulacan rivers meet Pampanga River.

Susceptible to overflow and backflow flooding.

9. San Simon

Along Pampanga River; may flood from both upstream and tidal effects.

Greater Metro Manila Area (Less Direct, but Possible)

If La Mesa Dam also overflows and rainfall is heavy, the following Metro Manila areas may face rising water levels, though not directly from Ipo Dam:

Quezon City

Valenzuela

Malabon

Caloocan

Marilao and Meycauayan in southern Bulacan

Summary Map View (Textual Flow)

Ipo Dam (Norzagaray) → Angat → San Rafael → Baliwag → Plaridel → Pulilan → Calumpit → Apalit (Pampanga)

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