3 Luzon dams keep releasing water

MANILA, Philippines — Three Luzon dams have continued releasing water after officials decided to close the gates of two other reservoirs, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said these dams are the Ambuklao and Binga in Benguet as well as Magat in Isabela.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, a gate of Ambuklao remained open and continued releasing water after the dam’s elevation reached 751.78 meters.

The elevation was only 22 centimeters short of reaching Ambuklao’s normal high water level of 752 meters.

Binga also had one gate remaining open as the dam’s elevation reached 574.86 meters, or 14 centimeters below its normal high water level of 575 meters.

Aside from Ambuklao and Binga, Magat Dam also continued to release water yesterday after the reservoir’s elevation reached 189.46 meters or 3.73 meters below its normal high water level of 193 meters.

All gates of Ipo and San Roque dams in Bulacan and Pangasinan, respectively, were shut down.

Ipo’s elevation reached 100.34 meters, or 76 centimeters below its normal high water level of 101.10 meters.

The elevation in San Roque reached 277.16 meters or only 2.84 meters below its normal high water level of 280 meters.

Meanwhile, heavy rains dumped by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine have increased the water level in Angat Dam in Bulacan by 44 centimeters.

From 202.11 meters previously, Angat’s water level reached 201.67 meters yesterday.

Angat’s elevation was 7.89 meters below its normal high water level of 210 meters.

Patrick Dizon, manager at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, said that Angat’s water level ensured adequate supply for next year’s dry season.

La Mesa Dam in Quezon City reached 79.56 meters, or only 59 centimeters below its spilling level of 80.15 meters.

Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija reached 207.47 meters or 13.53 meters below its normal high water level of 221 meters.

The water level in Caliraya Dam in Laguna rose to 287.49 meters yesterday. 

The amount of damage caused by Kristine to the agriculture sector in Bulacan has risen to P90.83 million, according to a partial and unofficial report released yesterday.

Manuel Lukban Jr.,