Magat Dam. FILE PHOTO / National Irrigation Administration
MANILA, Philippines — Two gates are open at Magat Dam in Isabela following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae).
According to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Benny Antiporda, the water level of Magat is at 190.92 meters as of Tuesday, 11 a.m.
The administrator noted that the water level is “critical” as the spilling level is 193 meters, hence, opening two of the seven spillways.
“As of the moment, Gates 3 and 4 lang ang gate opening namin (are open), two meters each.
“We are looking at the condition of the weather now, wherein it’s getting better. We might terminate operation on Friday,” Antiporda told INQUIRER.net in a phone call while manning the 24/7 command center of NIA.
Currently, the water inflow in Magat Dam is about 1,069 cubic meters per second. The outflow, meanwhile, is 979 cubic meters per second.
Prior to the devastation of Paeng, a preemptive release of water was conducted in the dam, based on the observation of the state weather agency.
Antiporda also said with the early warning system being implemented and the preemptive release and real-time coordination of the NIA, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and local government units regarding the opening of gates, flashfloods can be avoided.
Magat Dam discharges 16 percent of water to the Cagayan River, said Antiporda. Other tributaries likewise contribute to the River.
Based on the latest government data, Paeng caused flooding in 214 areas in Region 2 where Isabela is located. The total flooded areas across the country are 562.
The cyclone likewise affected 2.4 million persons while 110 people were killed. —With reports from Kristelle Anne Razon, trainee
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