MANILA: The release of water in Ipo and Binga Dams due to continuous heavy rains would not significantly affect communities in low-lying areas, a weather specialist said Wednesday.
Sonia Serrano of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the bureau is expecting 61 cubic meters per second (CMS) to be released from Ipo Dam in Bulacan, and 27 CMS from Binga Dam in Benguet, at 11 a.m.
“(The operator) of Ipo Dam is expecting rains would continue, so they would release 61 CMS,” she said.
Ipo Dam’s water level is at 101.5 meters, and has increased by 0.57 meters for the past 24 hours. The dam’s normal water level is 101.10 m.
Serrano said Norzagaragay, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, all in Bulacan are among the areas that will be affected by the release.
However, she said the water release from both dams is “small”, thus is not expected to significantly affect low-lying areas.
Binga Dam’s release, on the other hand will affect Baran
gays Ambuklao, Dalupirip and Tinongdan in Benguet.
She said PAGASA has observed an increase in rainfall in major dams this month.
Except for Caliraya Dam’s water level that decreased by 0.34 meters for the past 24 hours, Serrano said the other dams registered an increase in water level.
Pantabangan’s water level was up by 0.28 meters, now measuring 180.57; Magat by 0.53 meters, now 174.90 meters; Angat by 0.93 meters, now 178.41; La Mesa up by 1.08 m., now 78.15 m., Ambuklao up by 3.71 m., now measuring 744.85 m.; and San Roque up by 1.04 m., now at 277.50 m.
The normal water levels of dams are 752 m. for Ambuklao; Binga 575 m.; San Roque 280 m.; Pantabangan 221 m.; Magat 193 m.; and Caliraya 287.24 m.
Source: Philippines News Agency