Dam water release to be gradual, measured

As Severe Tropical Storm Kristine moved to Northern Luzon yesterday after inundating large parts of the Bicol region, the National Power Corp. (Napocor) started releasing dam water while assuring the public the procedure would be controlled to avoid flooding in downstream communities.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Napocor flood operation manager Maria Teresa Sierra said the dams operated by the staterun power generator started releasing water even before the arrival of Kristine in northern Luzon to make sure the water released won't trigger or exacerbate flooding.

"The releases being done are very controlled and will definitely not cause flooding in our downstream communities," Sierra said at a press briefing yesterday at Malacañang.

Napocor, which provides electrification to off-grid areas, manages major dams in Luzon, including the Ambuklao Dam and the Binga Dam in Benguet, San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Angat Dam in Bulacan, and the Caliraya Dam in Laguna.

On Wednesday, Marcos urged dam operators in Luzon to gradually release water ahead of the expected heavy rains as any bulk release of excess water could swamp downstream communities.

"We have amended our protocol, we issue notice on the preparatory phase for the dam discharge warning operation or spilling operation, at least 24 hours, we inform the LGUs (local government units)," Sierra said.