Ambuklao, Binga, Magat dams release water

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised residents near major dams in Luzon to take caution as it release water in preparation for the expected huge volume of rainfall that typhoon “Ompong” may dump.

PAGASA said said three dams in Luzon – Ambuklao, Binga, and Magat – are currently releasing waters as of 11 a.m. Friday.

Weather specialist Richard Orendain said four gates are open or at least two meters of gate opening in both Ambuklao and Binga dams located in Benguet.

Ambuklao dam's normal storage capacity or its spilling level is at 752 meters but the elevation of reservoir is already at 751.02 meters.

While in Binga Dam, its current water level is now at 573.85 meters which is near its 575 normal high-water level.

Orendain said that the waters to be released from Ambuklao and Binga dams will flow to San RoqueDam, which still has low reservoir water level.

He added that they will continue monitoring San Roque Dam that still needs 200 mm amount of rainfall to reach its 280-meterspilling level.

Aside from the two dams in Benguet, two gates of Magat Dam in Isabela is also open or at least 4 meters gate opening to release water and ensure safety of residents prior to onslaught of Ompong.

According to Orendain, at least 900 cubic meters of water are being released per second which may overflow the river and cause flashfloods in some municipalities in the area.

Residents near the river were also advised to be on alert and bring their large and small animals into higher grounds to prevent them from drowning.

The dam release is a precautionary measure to prevent the accumulation of water, according to PAGASA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Division.

Residents near Magat River have been advised to be on alert and to bring their large and small animals into higher grounds to prevent them from drowning.

In the 11 a.m. dam update of PAGASA, Orendain said that the areas that are likely to be affected by the release of Magat Dam water are the municipalities of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu in Isabela

While the release of water from Ambuklao and Binga dams are also expected to affect Barangays Dalupirip and Tinondan in Itogon, Benguet.

Meanwhile, flood advisories were also issued by PAGASA among river basins in Luzon, such as Agno, Bicol, and Pampanga.

Other river basins that are expected to be affected by Ompong are Abulig, Abra, Cagayan, Pampanga, Agno, Pasig-Marikina.