Magat Dam in Isabela raises spillway gate opening

SWELLING RIVER. Magat Dam and the Cagayan River tributaries are likely to be affected by flooding. On Tuesday (Nov. 12, 2024), officials of Magat Dam warned residents to prepare for flooding after the opening of the dam’s spillway gate was increased to two meters to address the rising water level due to Severe Tropical Storm Nika (Toraji). (Graphics from MARIIS Dam and Reservoir Division)

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Magat Dam in Isabela on Tuesday continued to release water with an additional one-meter opening of the spillway gate to manage the reservoir’s rising level amid moderate to heavy rains caused by Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name Toraji) and the trough of Tropical Storm Ofel (international name Usagi).

The dam’s spillway gate was opened by a meter Monday afternoon to address the rising water level.

Magat Dam’s water level has reached 188.65 meters as of 10 a.m. with a total discharge of about 386 cubic meters per second on Tuesday, according to the Magat River Integrated Irrigation System Dam and Reservoir Division.

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Its normal water level is 193 meters above sea level.

Irrigation officials allowed the release of 764.89 cubic meters per second of floodwater from Magat Dam’s gate in Isabela as Ofel was expected to bring more rain in this part of Luzon.

Engineer Carlo Ablan, National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) dam and reservoir division manager, said they anticipated the heavy volume of water from its watersheds due to the storm so they notified authorities about the water releases.

Water was expected to swell the Magat, Cagayan, Pinacanauan rivers, and other tributaries within 24 hours.

Residents living near water tributaries over northern Luzon are warned to prepare for more flooding after the release of excess water. (PNA)