VP Leni supports probe on dam authorities over Ulysses flooding

Vice President Leni Robredo supports an investigation into dam authorities for the simultaneous opening of gates during Typhoon Ulysses, which caused massive flooding in Luzon.

She stated that an investigation is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Magat Dam notably opened up to seven gates, contributing to the severe flooding in Cagayan and Isabela.

Local officials claimed they were not informed by dam officials about the areas that would be affected by the water releases.

Robredo highlighted that normally flood-free areas in Cagayan were severely impacted.

She agreed that the lack of information dissemination regarding the impact of the dam's water releases was a criminal oversight.

There is scrutiny over whether Magat Dam's operators strictly followed the protocol of pre-releasing water 2-3 days before the expected landfall.

Experts said opening 7 gates at the height of the typhoon was too much and could have been prevented if there was sufficient pre-release.

Robredo stressed the need for authorities to be able to estimate the effects of opening dam gates on specific areas.