MANILA, Philippines — The water level at the La Mesa Dam has gone down, stopping an overflow that flooded nearby areas, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration said on Thursday.

Hydrologist Jayson Bautista told The Manila Times that as of 7 a.m., the dam's reservoir water level (RWL) was at 80.13 meters from Wednesday's 80.17 m. Spilling level is at 80.15 m.

"As of now, the La Mesa Dam has returned to normal as it already stopped from overflowing," Bausa said.

Water from the dam spilled over due to the incessant rains spawned by the southwest monsoon or 'habagat,' which was enhanced by Super Typhoon "Carina."

The state-run weather agency alerted the affected villages in Quezon City, Valenzuela City and Malabon City as the waters were expected to flow down the Tullahan River that passes through these three areas.

It said that La Mesa Dam was an 'open dam' and unlike Angat has gates that could control the excess water.

He reiterated Pagasa's warning on residents, especially those living near the river banks to evacuate as there was no assurance that the dam's water level wo.ld not go back up.