Stay alert for floods; 4 dams release water

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, July 25, urged communities downstream of Ipo, Ambuklao, Binga, and Magat dams to stay alert and take precautionary measures with the release of water from these structures amid the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Emong (international name: Co-may) and the enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat."

- ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ, MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT, and MARTIN SADONGDONG

As of 8 a.m. Friday, Ipo Dam in Bulacan opened one gate, with its water level recorded at 100.55 meters, just below the normal high of 101 meters.

PAGASA advised downstream communities in Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Paombong, and Hagonoy to stay alert for possible flooding, as Angat River's water level may rise further due to the releases.

Ambuklao and Binga dams, both located in Benguet, have opened eight and six gates, respectively.

Their water levels are at 749.91 meters and 572.99 meters, slightly below their normal high water levels of 752 meters and 575 meters, respectively.

San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, which receives water from Binga Dam, recorded a water level of 252.88 meters, an increase of 3.9 meters, but remains 27.12 meters below its normal high of 280 meters. No gate openings are expected at San Roque Dam at this time.

PAGASA also continues to issue hydrological situationers for Ambuklao and Binga dams as a precaution, advising downstream communities, including parts of Bokod (Barangay Ambuclao) and Itogon (Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan) in Benguet, to remain alert, as water releases may raise flood risks along the Agno River.

Meanwhile, Magat Dam in Isabela began discharging water on Thursday evening, July 24, opening one gate with its water level at 186.67 meters, just below the normal high of 190 meters.

Municipalities in Isabela, including Ramon, San Mateo, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu, as well as Alfonso Lista in Ifugao, are advised to remain vigilant for possible flash floods.

Other major dams also observed higher water levels on Friday, including Angat Dam in Bulacan (200.44) meters from 199.65 meters, previously) and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija (196.10 meters from 195.44 meters).