‘Lawin’ raises water levels in Luzon dams

MANILA — Heavy downpour from typhoon Lawin has increased the water levels of three major dams in Luzon, data from the state weather bureau showed.

Records from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed a rise in the water levels of San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Magat Dam located at the boundary of Ifugao and Isabela provinces and Binga Dam in Benguet province.

San Roque Dam’s water elevation climbed from 277.23 meters to 281.72, or 1.72 meters more than the normal level of 280 meters.

Binga Dam’s water level rose from 574.97 to 575.37 meters, much higher than the normal operating level of 563 meters.

Magat Dam’s water level, meanwhile, climbed from 188.83 meters to 199.95 meters, or 6.95 meters more than the normal level.

Spillway gates were opened to release water from the three dams.

Meanwhile, the water levels at the Ipo (Bulacan), La Mesa (Metro Manila), Ambuklao (Benguet), Caliraya (Laguna) dams have decreased.