Magat Dam to release water; nine Isabela towns warned vs. possible effects

Nine municipalities in Isabela province were advised Monday morning regarding possible effects of the release of water from Magat Dam following the rains brought by Tropical Storm Rolly.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Engineer Maximo Peralta, assistant weather services chief of PAGASA's Hydrometeorology Division, identified these municipalities as:

• Ramon,
• San Mateo,
• Aurora,
• Cabatuan,
• Luna,
• Reina Mercedes,
• Naguilian,
• Burgos and
• Gamu

All these areas, he said, are near Magat River.

Peralta said only one of Magat Dam's gates will be opened for the release of water. He said this is equivalent to two meters of water.

"Actually ito medyo mahina lang naman po ang daloy ng tubig na ito na dini-discharge ng Magat," he said.

"Kasi po ang Magat madali po siyang mapuno so kailangan magbukas po siya ng mga gates sa panahon na may bagyo dahil po kung may malakas na pag-ulan maaari pong mabilis ang pagtaas ng [water level sa] dam," he also said. 

Rolly reached super typhoon level on Sunday when it battered many areas in the Philippines, with the Bicol Region being the hardest hit. At least 10 people were reported killed as of Sunday night.  —KBK, GMA News