NIA: Water released by Magat Dam since Oct. 29 can fill 450,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools

Since October 29, Magat Dam has released enough water to fill  450,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to Jun Veneracion’s special report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

Due to the release of water from the dam straddling the northern provinces of Ifugao and Isabela, several areas in Cagayan remain flooded even after Tropical Storm Paeng has left the country.

“Dito po sa probinsya ng Cagayan talagang matagal humupa ang tubig. It would take two to three days or even more, depende po yun. 'Pag nag-release po ulit ang Magat, mas matatagalan po. It can cost almost a week,” said Cagayan Vice Governor Boy Vargas.

(The flood here in Cagayan has yet to subside.  It would take two to three days or even more, it depends. If Magat releases water again, it will go on longer. It can cost almost a week.)

“As of kahapon, mayroong two gates na nag-release sila. Sana po di na sila mag-release,” he added.

(As of yesterday, two gates released water. I hope they will stop.)

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA)—the agency tasked to oversee the reservoir’s operations—explained the gates remain open, sending water into the Magat River, as the dam is currently at critical level.

But should the weather continue to clear up, NIA said it will stop the release of water supply by Friday, November 4.

“Calculated po 'yung pag-release natin, 'wag lang po masira 'yung structure to avoid a bigger disaster. It is gradual release of water although meron pa rin pong konting pagbaha pero manageable po sya,” said NIA Administrator Benny Antiporda.

(The release was calculated because we’re avoiding damaging the structure as it will lead to a bigger disaster. It is a gradual release of water. Although there are floods, they are manageable.)

Apart from dredging, he said, NIA is also eyeing constructing “stoppers” in the reservoir to help in storing water and in minimizing its release to the nearby communities.

“Roll-out siya next year, 'yan ang target natin. Di lang 'yung stopper dam pati 'yung major dams natin,” he added.

(We’re looking to roll out next year. Not only the stopper dams but even the major dams.)

To recall, the protocols for releasing water in Magat Dam were revised following the massive flooding in Cagayan due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses in 2020.

Under the revised Magat Dam Protocol on Dam Discharge and Flood Warning Operation, the operator of the reservoir and PAGASA should maintain coordination during typhoons.

Warning stations should also be activated 24 hours before the release. Nearby communities should also be alerted through text blasts sent to the public and the affected local government should respond that they have received the advisory.

Further, the dam should only release supply if its water level reaches 190 meters above sea level and if an approaching typhoon is forecast to hit Cordillera Administrative Region and Regions 1, 2, and 3 in two to four days. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA News