Precautionary measures urged as 5 major dams release water amid heavy rainfall from 'Uwan'
PAGASA
Five major dams in Luzon continued to release water on Sunday, Nov. 9 as Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) brings heavy rainfall, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to warn downstream communities along the Angat, Magat, and Agno rivers to prepare for possible flooding.
In Bulacan, Angat Dam in Norzagaray recorded a water level of 208.95 meters, just below its normal high of 210 meters, leading to the opening of three gates.
Downstream, Ipo Dam, also in Norzagaray, reached 100.05 meters, near its normal high of 101.1 meters, with three gates opened.
PAGASA issued a hydrological situationer for communities along the Angat River, including Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong, urging residents to take precautionary measures as flooding may occur.
In Isabela, Magat Dam in Ramon town, recorded 183.45 meters, below its normal high of 193 meters, and opened two gates.
Areas that could be affected by possible flooding along the Magat River include Alfonso Lista in Ifugao, and the towns of Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu in Isabela.
In Benguet, Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, had a water level of 749.48 meters, below its normal high of 752 meters, while Binga Dam in Itogon, was at 573.2 meters, slightly under its normal high of 575 meters.
Both dams opened two gates.
These dams form a cascading system with San Roque Dam in San Manuel, Pangasinan, which is at 271.52 meters—still below its normal high of 280 meters—and has not yet opened gates.
PAGASA continues to advise downstream communities of Ambuklao and Binga dams, including parts of Bokod (Barangay Ambuclao) and Itogon (Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan), to stay alert as water releases may raise flood risks along the Agno River.