Isabela’s Magat Dam releases water ahead of ‘Ompong’ onslaught

Magat Dam in Isabela released water on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the onslaught of typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut), the state weather bureau said.

The dam released one spillway gate at 0.5 meters, said hydrologist Sonia Serrano in a press briefing.

As of 2 p.m., dam water level was at 180.05 meters. It has a spilling level of 193 meters.

The release of water from Magat Dam will affect low-lying areas in towns of San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu.

Ompong, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, is expected to make landfall over Cagayan-Isabela area on Saturday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The typhoon will bring heavy rains and strong winds over Northern and Central Luzon starting Friday, Pagasa added. /kga