Magat Dam opens spillway due to storms, releases floodwater

The Magat Dam in Isabela continued to release water on Tuesday by opening its spillway gate an additional meter due to heavy rains caused by Severe Tropical Storm Nika and Tropical Storm Ofel.

As of 10 a.m., the dam's water level was at 188.65 meters, with an approximate total discharge of 386 cubic meters per second, below its normal level of 193 meters above sea level.

Engineer Carlo Ablan from the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System warned that heavy volume of water from watersheds due to storms could cause flooding in rivers such as Magat, Cagayan, and Pinacanauan within 24 hours.

Irrigation officials allowed the release of 764.89 cubic meters per second of floodwater from Magat Dam's gate in Isabela as Tropical Storm Ofel was expected to bring more rain to northern Luzon.

Residents living near tributaries over northern Luzon are advised to prepare for potential flooding following the release of excess water.