Ambuklao, Binga dam gates opened amid heavy rainfall

BAGUIO CITY — Four gates each of Ambuklao and Binga dams in Benguet were open on Saturday morning to release water amid continued rains in the Cordillera region, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

As of 8 a.m. Saturday, the water level of Ambuklao Dam stood at 751.27 meters, just below its 752-meter alert level.

Binga Dam, meanwhile, recorded a water level of 574.34 meters, also nearing its 575-meter alert level.

The two dams had four gates open and were releasing water as of the latest monitoring.

No gates were opened at San Roque Dam in nearby Pangasinan, with the reservoir’s level at 233.62 meters, well below its 280-meter alert level.

Authorities continue to monitor the dams amid persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and advised downstream communities to remain alert for official advisories. (Maureen Matayew/Contributor)