Typhoon Dodong good news for Luzon dams, farmers – Pagasa

RAINS from Typhoon Dodong (international name Noul) would be good news to most dams in Luzon, which are experiencing below normal water levels.

“Makakatulong ang bagyo sa mga dam dahil mababa ang kanilang level,” said Elmer Caringal, hydrologist from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The rains from Dodong are “welcome” to these dams, Caringal said, adding that the rains would also be a respite to many provinces experiencing dry spell.

The dry spell has affected the agricultural sector and water resources.

Panahon TV, in its Twitter post, said 15 provinces are affected by drought and 30 provinces are affected by the dry spell.

Forty-one from these provinces are expected to improve in the following days, it said.

Dodong was last spotted near Visayas and will traverse southern Luzon by Friday. It may hit Isabela-Cagayan by Sunday.

“In Region 2, there are areas experiencing dry spell or some areas experiencing drought. So there are people there, farmers, actually welcoming rain in that area. But we are still warning them that we have to warn our local councils that should there be a need for preventive evacuation, it shall be enforced to keep the safety of our constituents there,” said National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council spokesperson Romina Marasigan said.

As of Thursday, dams having below normal water levels include Angat in Bulacan, La Mesa in Quezon City, Ambuklao in Benguet, Binga in Benguet, San Roque in Pangasinan, Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija, and Magat in Cagayan. AC