By Michelle Ducut
Officials at Magat Dam in Isabela have increased the opening of the dam’s spillway gate by an additional meter on Tuesday to manage rising water levels as Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name Toraji) brings heavy rains across northern Luzon.
As of 10 a.m., the water level at Magat Dam reached 188.65 meters, with a discharge rate of approximately 386 cubic meters per second. The reservoir’s normal water level is 193 meters above sea level, according to the Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS) Dam and Reservoir Division.
In anticipation of further rainfall from Tropical Storm Ofel (international name Usagi), irrigation officials authorized the release of 764.89 cubic meters per second of floodwater from the dam. Engineer Carlo Ablan, manager of the National Irrigation Administration-MARIIS dam and reservoir division, noted that they have notified local authorities to prepare for potential flooding as waters from the dam’s watershed continue to rise.
The additional water release is expected to swell the Magat, Cagayan, and Pinacanauan rivers, as well as other nearby tributaries, within the next 24 hours. Residents in low-lying areas and along these waterways are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions against possible flooding.
This action follows the initial opening of the spillway gate by one meter on Monday afternoon as a precautionary measure against further water level increases.