Water levels in major dams in Luzon remained below spilling levels despite Typhoon ‘Nika’, state hydrologists said on Tuesday.
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Hydrologist Richard Orendain reported the status of the dams’ water levels amid the threat of two more potential storms after Nika.
According to Orendain, PAGASA is closely monitoring the water level of Magat Dam, located between Ifugao and Isabela, due to heavy inflow of water.
“Actually ‘yung Magat Dam nag-release na ito noong nagsimula siya nung kay Tropical Storm Leon, Marce. Ibinaba nila ito hanggang elevation 182 meters. So, napakalayo na po nito sa spilling level na 193,” Orendain said.
“Malaki pa rin ‘yung inflow ng Magat Dam sa ngayon dahil umaabot siya ng halos 2,000 cubic meter per second ‘yung pumapasok sa reservoir. And ang inilalabas lang niya is halos 700 cubic meter per second. So medyo matatagalan, mapo-prolong ang pagre-release ng Magat Dam gawa ng may paparating pang bagyo,” he added.
Orendain warned of possible flooding within Cagayan Area because of heavy inflow of water in Magat Dam. One of the Dam’s gates has been opened but more could be opened if water reaches critical level to prepare for the incoming storms, he said.
The official assured PAGASA is following directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the gradual release of water from dams to avoid severe flooding in downstream communities.
He said as of 8 a.m., the water levels of Angat (201.73 meters), Ipo (99.99 meters) and La Mesa Dams (79.5 meters) decreased.
Two gates of Ambuklao Dam in Benguet were opened with total opening of 1.0 meter and total discharge of 154.00 cubic meters per second (CMS). The water level of Ambuklao Dam was at 751.58 meters, which is within the normal high water level of 752 meters.
Binga Dam’s water level was at 574.7 meters (normal range – 752 m) with two gates opened; San Roque Dam – 278.3 (normal range 280 m) with one gate opened; and Pantabangan Dam – 209.94 (normal range – 221 m). | PND
