Two dams in Luzon release water amid heavy rain

Two dams in Luzon released excess water on Sunday as a safety precaution amid heavy rain due to the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend”, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said that Magat Dam in Isabela opened its floodgates at around 2 p.m., releasing about 200 cubic meters of water.

NIA said the release would maintain a safe water level in the dam.

It added that the dam could again release water depending on the rainfall in the Magat watershed.

Residents were advised to avoid crossing nearby rivers due to the possible increase in water levels.

In its latest data, PAGASA said Magat Dam’s water level was at 188.75 meters, just 1.25 meters short of its 190-meter normal high-water level.

Meanwhile, Bustos Dam in Bulacan continued to release excess water.

The dam’s water was now lower than the spilling level of 17.20 meters, but the water was still being released in anticipation of more heavy rain.

Authorities advised residents near the Angat Dam to brace themselves against a sudden rise of floodwaters.

PAGASA said the Habagat would continue to affect Central Luzon, southern Luzon, the Visayas, and the western section of Mindanao.

The Habagat would bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao. — Mel Matthew Doctor/DVM, GMA News