Some overflow bridges in Cagayan, Isabela flooded, impassable

Some overflow bridges were not passable in Cagayan and Isabela provinces over the weekend after water level in the river rose due to continuous rain, according to Darlene Cay's report on Unang Balita on Monday.

In the town of Baggao, at least three overflow bridges were impassable due to flooding, prompting many residents to evacuate.

Some parts of Tuguegarao were also flooded.

According to Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, most of the residents in concerned areas have evacuated early because of “phobia” from their experience with flooding during Typhoon Ulysses in early November.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III said two overflow bridges were affected due to the rising water level in Cagayan River.

“Tumataas ang ilog. Hindi naman naapektuhan 'yung mg kababayan natin. Merong nangyari sa Cabatuan, kaunti lang naman,” Albano said.

“Pero 'yung mga overflow bridges dito sa north, medyo [naapektuhan] 'yung dalawa, 'yung sa Santo Tomas at Sta. Maria,” he added.

Albano said tributaries of the Cagayan River were rising.

“Hindi ko alam kung ulan doon sa tributaries ang dumami. Tapos 'yung Magat Dam medyo puno pa ngayon e… So nagpapakawala na naman ng tubig ang dam,” he said.

“Hindi lang ‘yung dam kasi 15% lang yung dam. ‘Yung mga nasa bundok sa Quirino province,  ‘yung mga tributaries ng Cagayan River, ‘yan ang medyo napupuno at nagdadala ng tubig sa main artery,” he added.

With a spilling level of 193 meters, the water level in Magat Dam was recorded at 189 meters. Two gates have been opened to release water.

According to the Hydro-Meteorological Division of PAGASA, the water level in Cagayan River and its tributaries rose due to the rains brought by the tail-end of a frontal system.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News