Binga, Magat dams have one gate open each, PAGASA says

Two Luzon dams had one gate open each on Monday morning as more rains are expected due to Tropical Depression Florita.

At 6 a.m. on August 22, Binga Dam in Benguet had one gate open at 0.30 meter.

Binga Dam's reservoir water level (RWL) was at 574.43 meters at 6 a.m., which is near the 575-meter spilling level or normal high water level (NHWL).

Meanwhile, Magat Dam, which straddles Isabela and Ifugao, had one gate open at 0.50 meter at 6 a.m., same as on Sunday.

Magat Dam's RWL was at 187.10 meters at 6 a.m. on Monday, just a few meters away from the 190-meter NHWL.

At 9 a.m. on Monday, PAGASA issued an advisory saying the following municipalities in Isabela may be affected by the release of water from Magat Dam:

• Ramon
• San Mateo
• Aurora
• Cabatuan
• Luna
• Reina Mercedes
• Burgos
• Naguilian
• Gamu

PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Cagayan, Isabela, and 10 other areas on Monday due to Florita.

Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, and Aurora may have light to moderate to at times heavy rains until Monday night.

From Monday night to Tuesday night, however, heavy to intense to at times torrential rains are forecast over Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Ilocos Region. The northern portion of Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, and the rest of Cagayan Valley will have moderate to heavy rains, while the rest of Central Luzon may experience light to moderate to at times heavy rains.

PAGASA said scattered to widespread flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas prone to these hazards. —KG, GMA News