2 Magat Dam gates remain open, Isabela residents cautioned

Magat Dam. Image from the National Irrigation Administration – MARIIS website

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of several municipalities in the province of Isabela are being asked to take precautions as two gates of Magat Dam remained open on Sunday morning to release water, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Section said the opening of the two gates was at 3 meters as of 9 a.m., releasing 697 cubic meters per second of water.

Areas likely to be affected are the municipalities of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu.

“Residents and the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) concerned are still advised to maintain all the necessary appropriate actions,” Pagasa said.

The water level at Magat Dam was at 189.14 meters above sea level as of 9 a.m. This was slightly lower than the 189.22 meters above sea level reading as of 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The dam’s spilling level is 193 meters.

On Saturday, the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) announced that gates 3 and 4 of the dam will be opened to release water.

In its weather forecast Sunday morning, the state weather bureau reported that the tail-end of a frontal system or the interaction of cold air and warm air from the Pacific Ocean will bring rains over several areas in Luzon including Cagayan Valley.

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