Residents in low-lying areas near Bustos Dam in Bulacan were warned of possible rise in water level on Thursday as its rubber gate broke, prompting the local government to encourage immediate evacuation.
Bustos Mayor Francis Albert Juan released an advisory via social media, alerting his constituents near riverbanks—particularly those in the villages of Tanawan, San Pedro, Poblacion, Talampas and Cambaog—to move to safer locations.
“Everyone near the river is reminded to be alert and move to higher ground. The rubber gate of Bustos Dam was broken,” Juan said in Tagalog.
The Baliwag Provincial Information Office issued similar reminders, adding that swimming and other activities near the river are prohibited.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid risks of flooding although the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) ruled out this possibility.
At the time of the incident, the water level in Bustos Dam was at 17.38 meters.
The rubber gate, measuring approximately five meters wide, is significantly smaller than the 25–30-meter width of the Angat River, allowing for smooth water flow with minimal disruption.
The PDRRMO emphasized that the Angat River is currently at a low-water ‘Yellow Level’ due to the ongoing dry season, further reducing the likelihood of flooding.
They estimated a potential increase in water flow of only five centimeters. “Therefore the communities from Bustos to Calumpit have nothing to worry about,” it stated.
By 4:00 p.m., officials confirmed that the water flow in Angat River had returned to normal levels, with no further risks anticipated.
