President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered government agencies to prepare for possible flooding in areas near water reservoirs.

The President asked the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to keep its reports on dam and flood situations updated.

While Severe Tropical Storm Enteng is already out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), parts of the country may still experience torrential rain, he pointed out.

“Kung patuloy pa rin ang pag-ulan na mabigat…Mapilitan tayo na magbitaw ng tubig,” President Marcos said in a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Quezon City.

According to PAGASA, as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the operator of Ipo Dam had opened one of its washout gates in Bulacan.

Areas likely to be affected are the municipalities of Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Paombong, and Hagonoy, all in the province of Bulacan.

PAGASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Marcelino Villafuerte reported they have placed a flood precaution for Magat Dam despite lowered water levels in the past 24 hours.

“Hindi po natin iaalis yung possibility na ‘yung areas po collecting or encompassing ‘yung watershed ay maaari po na makapag-contribute in the next 24 hours. So that’s why naka-flood precaution tayo,” Villafuerte said.

Affected downstream communities in Isabela province may include areas in the municipalities of Ramon, San Mateo, Alfonso, Cabatuan, Luna, Aurora, and Burgos.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, La Mesa Dam was already at 80.20 meters, above its overflow level of 80.15 meters, according to the hydrological situation report released by PAGASA.

Water from the reservoir is expected to affect areas along the Tullahan River in Quezon City, Valenzuela City, and Malabon City. PND