Pagasa says 3 Luzon dams still releasing water after Pepito’s exit

MANILA, Philippines — Three dams in Luzon continued to release water on Tuesday even though tropical cyclone Pepito (international name: Man-yi) already left the the Philippine area of responsibility the day before.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the Ambuklao and Binga dams in Benguet, as well as the Magat dam in Isabela, kept several gates open due to elevated water levels.

Pagasa said that the Ambuklao Dam recorded a water outflow of 355.27 cubic meters per second (cms), with five remaining gates left open.

Ambuklao’s water level reached 751.72 meters (m), which was only 0.28 m below its normal high water level of 752 m, it added.

READ: San Roque Dam opens gates as Pepito hits Luzon

The Binga Dam reported a total water outflow of 349.60 cubic meters per second, with three gates still open. Its water level reached 575 m, the state weather agency noted.

The increased water release from these dams is expected to impact Barangay Ambuklao in Bokod, Benguet, as well as Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan in Itogon, Benguet, according to Pagasa.

READ: La Mesa Dam at ‘critical’ level as tropical storm Pepito nears

Pagasa also said the Magat Dam continued releasing water on Tuesday, with an outflow of 1,715.06 cms and four gates remaining open.

Magat’s elevation reached 191.20 m, which was just 1.80 m below its normal high water level of 193 meters.

Pagasa warned that the increased water release from the Magat Dam is expected to affect several municipalities in Isabela, including Alfonso Lista, Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu.