Magat Dam opens 4 gates; residents near 2 Isabela rivers warned vs. floods

Local authorities on Sunday advised residents along Cagayan River and Magat River in Isabela to exercise precaution against flash floods as Magat Dam continues to release excess water from the heavy rains dumped overnight by Typhoon Lando.

Officials from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said residents living along the two rivers in Ramon town are particularly vulnerable to flash floods.

GMA News' Raffy Tima reported on "Balitanhali" that Magat Dam has already opened four gates, as rain water from Typhoon Lando continued to fill up the reservoir to spill levels.

He said that by Sunday noon, the dam was already releasing 1,200 cubic meters of water per second.

Local disaster management officials expressed fears flash floods may hit low-lying areas along the Cagayan and Magat Rivers, he added.

Moreover, Tima said residents who were evacuated were advised to stay in evacuation centers until a clear warning signal is issued.

Bustos Dam

Meanwhile, 35 families have been evacuated in Bulacan province in Central Luzon as Bustos Dam released excess water from Typhoon Lando's rains.

GMA News quoted Bulacan governor Willy Sy Alvarado as saying, "Nagpakawala na ng tubig ang Bustos Dam dahil sa pananalasa ng bagyong Lando."

The reservoir is releasing 125 cubic meters of water per second after the water level there reached 16.43 meters, nearing the dam's spilling level of 17.70 meters, Alvarado said.

On the other hand, the Ipo Dam (also in Bulacan) is releasing 30 cubic meters of water per second as its water level hit the 99.72-meter mark, nearing the dam's 101-meter spilling level.

Water from the Bustos and Ipo Dams, coupled with continued heavy rain from Lando, is expected to raise the water levels in Angat River crossing the towns of San Rafael, Bustos, Baliwag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, and Hagonoy.

Water in Angat Dam, which supplies over 90 percent of Metro Manila's water needs, is at normal level at 194.60 meters, with the reservoir's spilling level at 210 meters above sea level. — LBG, GMA News