Two gates of Magat Dam in Isabela remained open to release water from its reservoir on Sunday, prompting authorities to warn those in low-lying communities to stay vigilant for possible flooding.
(NIA-MARIIS-DRD-Flood Forecasting and Warning System Dam Operation / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that two gates have an opening of 3 meters each, discharging 697 cubic meters per second of impounded water.
The water release is being done in anticipation of continuous light to moderate rains from the tail-end of frontal system and northeast monsoon or "amihan" affecting Northern and Central Luzon.
Based on the PAGASA's monitoring as of 9 a.m. on Sunday, Magat Dam's water level was 189.14 meters, which is almost 4 meters short of its 193.0-meter spilling level.
Residents living in the low-lying areas of San Agustin, Jones, Echague, Alicia, Angadanan, Cauayan City, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mateo, Cabatuan, Aurora, Luna, Gamu, Ilagan City, and San Mariano in Isabela province were asked to take precautionary measures in case flooding occurs.
PAGASA has also issued flood bulletin number 3 on Sunday morning as it continues to monitor "continuous slow rise" in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Cagayan Rivers and their tributaries.
The bulletin stated that "flooding is still possible" and may affect the low-lying areas of Isabela and Cagayan.
"People living near the low-lying areas, particularly those adjacent to and along the above-mentioned rivers are alerted against possible landslides and flash floods and the disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions," it read.