AMBUKLAO Dam in Benguet. (Photo via Brian Dalilis FB)
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan -- The Ambuklao and Binga Dams reached their normal high water levels (NHWL) Sunday morning, prompting the opening of multiple gates as heavy southwest monsoon rains continued to pound Benguet.
PAGASA data showed that Ambuklao Dam in Bokod reached its NHWL of 752 meters as of 8 a.m., with all eight gates open at a combined 14 meters and releasing 1,806 cubic meters of water per second.
Binga Dam in Itogon also hit its NHWL of 575 meters, with six gates open at a combined 15 meters and releasing 1,896 cubic meters per second.
The dams’ water levels rose sharply amid persistent rains. PAGASA warned of more than 200 millimeters of rain over Benguet and Ilocos Sur within 24 hours, with even heavier rainfall possible in mountainous areas.
More rain is expected, with 100 to 200 millimeters forecast over Benguet Monday and another 50 to 100 millimeters on Tuesday.
Authorities urged communities downstream and near rivers to remain vigilant and closely monitor dam discharge and local flood advisories as heavy rains continue.