In photo Engr . Rosendo So.chairman SINAG (Photo via Liezle Inigo)
PANGASINAN — San Roque Dam’s water elevation has climbed to 282.96 meters above sea level (masl) as of 5:00 a.m., Sept 1, prompting renewed calls for precautionary action as downstream communities remain vulnerable to flooding.
Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) Chairman Engr. Rosendo So had earlier urged dam authorities to begin controlled water releases when the reservoir was still at around 278 meters.
“I ask San Roque Dam to release water at 278 level,” So said.
With the current level already at 282.96 masl, or nearly five meters higher than the level cited by So, the appeal underscores the urgency of closely monitoring the reservoir and managing releases carefully to reduce potential downstream flood risks.
The situation also recalls the massive flooding in 2009 following Typhoon Pepeng. On October 9, 2009, when San Roque Dam reached approximately 289.05 masl, all six spillway gates were reportedly opened, with discharge reaching about 5,072 cubic meters per second at one point.
In 2009, after Typhoon Pepeng, Rosendo So and affected parties pursued legal action against National Power Corporation (NPC) and San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) over the massive flooding and alleged improper/sudden release of water from San Roque Dam.
With the dam now at 282.96 masl, authorities and downstream communities are urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor official dam and flood advisories.