The forecasting system would give reliable and early warning to thousands of folk in Bulacan on the release of dam waters that could flood their areas.
Napocor president Gladys Sta. Rita said that once the forecasting is in place, folk in the towns of Pulilan, Calumpit and Hagonoy would be able to prepare adequately for pending floods arising from release of dam waters.
These three towns virtually turn into catch basins for waters released from the dam during heavy rains.
Napocor recalled that during Typhoon Ondoy in September 2009, many folk in the towns were caught by sudden flooding after rising waters from Angat Dam were released, causing some casualties. Similar situation was noted during Typhoon Pedring in September 2011, as well as during the heavy rains in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Napocor said the installation of the forecasting system is part of the retrofitting project for Angat Dam. The entire project was launched by Pres. Aquino in July 2015.
The project includes the strengthening of Angat Dam’s spillway gates where the forecasting system would be installed and pick up data on water release in a matter of seconds, so as the data is immediately relayed to rescue and disaster mitigation officials of Calumpit, Hagonoy and Pulilan.
The MWSS provided the funds for the project as it manages the waters in the dam so as to supply the potable water needs of Metro Manila. Napocor, on the other hand, manages the watershed around the dam which was built in 1967.
