Magat Dam releases water

 BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Water was released from Magat Dam, located along the border of Isabela and Ifugao, on Wednesday amid continuous rain due to a low-pressure area and the southwest monsoon.

Carlo Ablan, National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) flood operation manager, said water from the reservoir was released at a rate of 177 cubic meters per second (cms).

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the opening of the spillway gate was raised from one to two meters at a rate of 396 cms.

Ablan said raising the opening of the spillway gate would prevent the water level from reaching its critical mark of 193 meters, which can trigger flashfloods in low-lying areas in Isabela and Cagayan.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, Magat’s water level was at 189.18 meters, less than a meter from its spilling mark of 190 meters.

The dam’s water inflow was at 643.18 cms. The total outflow after a spillway gate was opened was at 729.22 cms.

The NIA-MARIIS advised residents of low-lying areas along Cagayan River to avoid fishing and other water activities to ensure their safety.

Authorities have yet to determine whether to open additional spill gates and until when will water be released.

In an advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabanatuan, Luna, Reina, Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian and Gamu in Isabela may be affected by flashfloods due to the release of water.

LPA spotted off Ilocos Norte

Meanwhile, rains will continue to be experienced in Northern and Central Luzon due to the southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area monitored off the coast of Ilocos Norte.

PAGASA said the low-pressure area was monitored at 310 kilometers west of Laoag as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

The state weather bureau said the weather system is not likely to develop into a tropical depression, but together with habagat, it will bring scattered rains over the Ilocos provinces, Abra, Mountain Province, Benguet, Zambales and Bataan.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rains.

PAGASA warned the public of flashfloods and landslides during heavy rain.