CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela -- In light of recent flash floods in the municipalities of San Manuel and Aurora, the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has recommended the reactivation of rain gauges and water-level gauges in different cities and municipalities in the province.
Engr. Ramil Tuppil, DOST-PAG-ASA climate meteorologist, said that a rain gauge is a community-based rainfall warning system to monitor the amount of rainfall in communities.
Engr. Tuppil explained the weather outlook for August 2022 to January 2023 during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) third quarter regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at the Provincial Capitol Amphitheater, Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela.
Tuppil said that La Niña persists and is likely to continue until December 2022 to February 2023 with 55-70% chance and returning to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions thereafter.
During the PDRRMC meeting, it was discussed that Isabela and most provinces of Region 2 will likely experience a near to above normal rainfall condition during October 2022 to January 2023.
The DOST-PAG-ASA said that 9 to 13 cyclones are expected to enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from August this year to January 2023.
Meanwhile, Engr. Edwin Viernes of NIA-MARIIS underscored that based on initial findings of the Dam Safety Inspection by local Magat Dam Safety Inspectors, NIA Central Office Dam Safety Team and Isabela Irrigation Management Office, the Magat Dam embankment and concrete appurtenant structures is structurally sound and safe despite the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Luzon on July 27.