MANILA – The Magat Dam in Northern Luzon is likely to continue spilling operations this week which may cause flooding in its downstream communities, the weather bureau said Monday.
Max Peralta, a hydrologist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said rains from the surging northeast monsoon or amihan can increase inflow or flow of water into the dam, prompting it to spill excess water to prevent structural damage.
"That dam may not yet close its gate this week to stop releasing water," he said in an interview.
The release of water from Magat Dam contributed to flooding that affected areas in the Cagayan Valley Region earlier this month.
PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said the northeast monsoon would prevail over Northern Luzon in the next four days bringing light to moderate rains.
According to PAGASA, Magat Dam's 6 a.m. water level on Monday was at 189.51 meters, which is 3.49 meters below the 193 meters spilling or normal high water level there.
Peralta said Magat's spilling operation is in progress with one gate opened to release excess water.
He noted that two gates were opened at 6 a.m. Sunday to release more excess water.
"Water flowing into Magat lessened since there hasn't been much rainfall lately so the dam just had one gate open on Monday morning for its reduced water release," he said. (PNA)
