Magat Dam gates unlikely to be shut despite Cagayan, Isabela flooding

Two Magat Dam gates remained open for spilling operations and were not likely to be closed due to the large volume of water coming into its reservoir, a PAGASA hydrologist said on Saturday.

Speaking on Dobol B sa News TV, hydrologist Edgar Dela Cruz said that as of noon, the Magat Dam's water level was at 192.19 meters.

Its two gates of four meters were continually releasing waters to slightly decrease levels.

"Hindi po pupuwedeng isara 'yung mga gate ng dams po natin dahil po may mga malaki pang volume na pumapasok o inflow sa mismong reservoir ng Magat Dam," explained Dela Cruz.

"Kung isasara po natin 'yan, just imagine sa isang oras, mga 3,600 seconds po 'yun sa isang oras eh. Kung imu-multiply natin doon sa 860 cubic meters, napakalaking volume po ng tubig 'yun na baka po sa loob lang ng isang oras, masyado nang mataas ang elevation ng Magat at lalo po tayong mahirapan na i-release 'yun after ng sinasabi nating interval."

""Hangga't malaki pa po ang inflow na pumapasok galing sa kabundukan at pumapasok sa Magat Dam, mahihirapan po tayong isara 'yan. Hindi pa po natin alam kung gaano tatagal 'yung malaking volume," Dela Cruz added. — DVM, GMA News