Ambuklao Dam releases water in preparation for Gener

Ambuklao Dam in Benguet has released water as a preparation for the possible heavy rains from Tropical Depression Gener, according to a report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Gate 4 of Ambuklao dam was opened after its water level reached 751.80 meters, which is near its normal high water level at 752 meters.

Based on PAGASA’s dam water level update on Monday, the water level in Ambuklao Dam increased to 751.70 meters from 751.55 meters.

The water level in the following dams also increased:

• Angat - 194.80 meters from 194.67 meters
• La Mesa - 79.50  meters from 79.40 meters
• Binga - 574.28 meters from 574.16 meters
• San Roque - 265.38 meters from 264.88 meters
• Pantabangan - 196.93 meters from 196.45 meters
• Caliraya - 287.40 meters from 286.52 meters

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over 24 areas on Tuesday morning as Gener moved westward over Northern Luzon and enhanced the Southwest Monsoon, PAGASA said in a 5 a.m. bulletin.

Gener was last spotted in the vicinity of Alicia, Isabela, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 70 kph, and central pressure of 996 hPa.

The tropical depression was moving westward at a speed of 30 kph with strong winds extending outwards up to 360 km from the center.

"Gener is forecast to emerge over the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur or La Union today. The tropical cyclone will then move generally westward over the West Philippine Sea until Thursday (19 September) before turning west northwestward as it heads towards southern China," said PAGASA.

Gener may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, according to PAGASA. —VAL, GMA Integrated News