The rubber gate of the Bustos Dam in Bulacan was broken on May 1, around 2:30 p.m. According to Bustos Mayor Francis Albert Juan, he immediately issued a warning to residents along the riverbank to evacuate or move to higher ground. Among those warned were residents of Tanawan, San Pedro, Poblacion, Talampas, and Cambaog.
According to PDRRMO, Gate 3 of the dam was damaged due to extreme heat. Although there is water flow, this is not a cause for concern. The gate is small—5 meters wide compared to 25-30 meters of the Angat River. The water level only dropped by 2.38 meters, so there was no major impact on surrounding towns.
The PDRRMO further explained that even though there is water flow, the river is at the Yellow Level or low water level. The impact on the Angat River is only 5cm of increased flow, so there is no threat of flooding in areas from Bustos to Calumpit. The public is advised to avoid bathing or any activity in the river for now for safety.
