3 Luzon dams release water as ‘Ompong’ starts to pound northern PH

One of the gates of Magat dam is opened to release water as preparation for Supertyphoon Ompong which is expected to make landfall Saturday morning in Ramon, Isabela. Pdi photo / Richard A. Reyes

At least three dams in Luzon have started to release water as typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) began to unleash its intense rains and powerful winds in northern Philippines on Friday. 

Weather specialist Richard Orendain, of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said Ambuklao Dam in Benguet opened four gates at two meters. As of 10 a.m., the dam’s water level was at 751.02 meters, close to its spilling level of 752 meters. 

Binga Dam in Benguet also opened four gates at two meters. As of this posting, the dam has a water reservoir of 573.85 meters, a little close to its spilling level of 575 meters.

The waters released from Binga will go to San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Orendain said.

Magat Dam in Isabela meanwhile has a water level of 188.51 meters, close to its spilling level of 190 meters, as of this posting. It opened one gate at four meters.

Orendain cautioned residents along the water’s path in the towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu for possible flooding.  /kga