3 Luzon dams release water amid super typhoon Nando's rains
PAGASA/NAPOCOR
Three major dams in Luzon opened more spillway gates on Monday Sept. 22, as a precautionary measure while Super Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) continued to affect Northern Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ambuklao Dam in Benguet increased its gate openings from one to three after its water level reached 749.56 meters, close to its normal high water level of 752 meters.
Barangay Ambuclao in Bokod, Benguet may be affected by the release.
Binga Dam, also in Benguet, raised its gate openings from two to four as its reservoir elevation climbed to 572.08 meters, almost three meters short of its normal high water level of 575 meters.
The water release may affect Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan in Itogon, Benguet.
Ambuklao and Binga are part of a cascading dam system that also includes San Roque Dam in Pangasinan.
San Roque’s water level stood at 260.61 meters, still below its normal high water level of 280 meters, with no gate openings expected for now.
PAGASA said hydrological advisories for Ambuklao and Binga continue to be issued as a precaution for downstream communities.
Meanwhile, Magat Dam in Isabela increased its gate openings from one to two after its water level rose to 185.57 meters, approaching its normal high water level of 190 meters.
The release may affect the towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu in Isabela, as well as Alfonso Lista in Ifugao.