3 Luzon dams continue to release water

MANILA — As the southwest monsoon or habagat brings rain in various parts of the Philippines, three Luzon dams continue to release water Wednesday morning, said weather bureau PAGASA.

The water level of Ipo Dam in Bulacan was at 100.17 meters, one meter close to its normal high water level of 101.10. The dam opened one gate this morning, releasing 36.90 cubic meters per second.

Ambuklao Dam in Benget, opened three gates releasing 227.30 cubic meters per second as it was already at 750.70 meters water level, close to its normal high water level of 752 meters.

Two gates were opened to release water from Binga Dam, also in Benguet, to lower its 574.01 water level.

La Mesa Dam, which overflowed yesterday, was at 79.94 meters water level today and has not opened a gate so far. 

The two low pressure areas approaching the country has developed into tropical cyclone Dante and depression Emong, said PAGASA.

Meanwhile, Magat Dam in Isabela said its gate 4 is scheduled to be opened at around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday for a preemptive water release ahead of tropical depression Dante's expected rainfall.

NIA-MARIIS said approximately 165 cubic meters per second of water—equivalent to nearly 800 drums—will be released.

However, this volume may still change depending on the forecast and actual rainfall over the dam’s watershed areas.

As of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, the dam's water level stood at 185.87 meters above sea level— just a few meters below its spilling level of 193 meters.

Dam authorities assured the public that all flood warning stations are operational to help alert nearby communities.

Residents living near the Magat River and its tributaries leading to the Cagayan River are advised to prepare for the possible effects of the water release.

The Magat River passes through several municipalities in Isabela, including Ramon, San Mateo, Cabatuan, Aurora, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Naguilian, and Gamu.

NIA-MARIIS is also strongly urging the public to avoid staying near riverbanks to prevent accidents. If possible, livestock should be moved to safer locations. —With reports from Harris Julio