MANILA – The continuous rains triggered by Tropical Storm Pepito (international name Saudel) caused the rise of water level in Benguet province's Binga Dam, prompting authorities to release water from the facility.
In its notice to officials of Benguet, as well as Barangay Tinongdan and Barangay Dalupirip there, National Power Corporation (NPC) said Binga Dam started to release water beginning 3 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 20).
The opening of Binga's Gate 3 will be 0.50 meters high with an estimated water discharge of 65 cubic meters per second, NPC said.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Binga Dam's 6 a.m. water level on Tuesday at 574.36 meters -- just less than a meter below its 575 meter-high spilling or normal high water level there.
The release of Binga Dam's water became necessary as the NPC said water in the facility continued to rise due to the rains.
In its 8 a.m. Wednesday bulletin, PAGASA forecast moderate to heavy rains over Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, La Union, Apayao, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Calamian Islands. (PNA)
