RAMON, Isabela – The National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) opened a spillway gate of the Magat Dam here at 12 noon Saturday, Sept. 24, in preparation for severe tropical storm “Karding.”
In a pre-disaster risk assessment on Friday, Sept. 23, Engr. Edwin Viernes of NIA-MARIIS said 200 cubic meters per second (CMS) of water will be released and can be increased depending on the rain in the Magat Watershed.
He advised the people to avoid staying in the Magat River and those near the river to be on alert.
Meanwhile, Leslie Mejares of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) also said that there is a possibility of soil and rock erosion on the road in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region 2 advised motorists to monitor advisories for their travel guide and take extra precaution while traversing the area.
On Saturday, DPWH Region I-Ilocos Norte First District Engineering Office said that the Manila North Road, Kilometer 578+800, in Sitio Banquero, Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud, is one lane passable to light vehicles from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A DPWH team and equipment are deployed to assist motorists on the road.