By Michelle Ducut
Magat Dam released water through five spill gates on Monday, with a combined opening of nine meters, discharging 1, 720 cubic meters per second (m³/s) to control the reservoir’s water level following rains from Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi).
Two additional gates are scheduled to open by 5 p.m., according to the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System’s (NIA-MARIIS) Flood Forecasting and Warning System.
The dam’s reservoir elevation reached 192.15 meters above sea level (MASL) by noon, nearing the 193 MASL normal high-water level. Total discharge to downstream areas, including river spillover, had increased to 1, 767.99 m³/s by early afternoon.
Carlos Ablan, Magat Dam flood operation manager, said the opening of spill gates was necessary to anticipate the heavy inflow expected from the typhoon’s lingering effects.
Communities along the river tributaries in Northern Luzon have been warned to prepare for potential flooding. In Tuguegarao City, the Buntun Bridge water level rose to 9.6 meters, exceeding its 8-meter warning level, while the Capatan Overflow Bridge was rendered impassable.
Several roads in the city, including parts of Pinacanauan Avenue, Aguinaldo Extension, and Gonzaga Street, have also been closed due to flooding.
Mayor Maila Ting-Que advised residents to remain alert, emphasizing the importance of readiness. “Mas mabuting handa, kesa maging pabaya (It’s better to be prepared than negligent),” she said in a live social media update.
Evacuation centers have been opened, and government vehicles are on standby for emergencies. The mayor also suspended work in government offices effective noon, leaving decisions for private offices to individual employers.