Magat dam hits critical level

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Heavy rains in the past few weeks have raised the water elevation in Magat Dam close to its spilling level.

As of 5 p.m. on Sunday, the dam’s water level was 190.28 meters, prompting officials to release water to avoid reaching the spilling level of 193 meters.

Magat Dam is located along the borders of Isabela and Ifugao. As of yesterday, its elevation was reduced to 188.68 meters.

The dam provides water for irrigation of 96,000 hectares of farmlands in Isabela and parts of Quirino and Cagayan.