By Brian Campued
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday urged residents in Northern Luzon, which was already devastated by Typhoon Nika, to remain vigilant with the looming threat of Tropical Storm Ofel.
In a press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), PAGASA Assistant Weather Services Chief Chris Perez said the soil in some affected areas have become saturated due to the significant amount of rainfall brought by Nika, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
“Sa mga kababayan natin sa Northern Luzon, kung nag-uulan na during the last few days, medyo saturated na ang mga kalupaan. Mas malaki ang tiyansa na magkaroon ng flash floods and landslides sa mga darating na araw dahil andito pa ‘yung epekto ng bagyong si Nika and then paparating na Bagyong Ofel,” Perez said.
Meanwhile, Hydrologist Richard Orendain said the state weather bureau is closely monitoring the water level of Magat Dam, while other major dams across Luzon remained below spilling level during the onslaught of Nika.
“Malaki pa rin ‘yung inflow ng Magat Dam sa ngayon dahil umaabot siya ng halos 2,000 cubic meter per second ‘yung pumapasok sa reservoir. And ang inilalabas lang niya is halos 700 cubic meter per second,” Orendain said.
As of 2:00 p.m., two gates of Magat Dam were opened with 3.0 meters and a total discharge of 568 cubic meters per second. Magat Dam’s water level was at 188.97 m, well below the normal high water level of 193.00 m.
Meanwhile, according to PAGASA’s 8:00 a.m. dam update, two gates of Ambuklao Dam in Benguet were opened with a total opening of 1.0 meter and total discharge of 153.58 cubic meters per second. The water level of Ambuklao Dam was at 751.58 meters, which is within the normal high water level of 752 meters.
Binga Dam’s water level was at 574.7 meters (normal range – 575 m) with two gates opened; San Roque Dam – 278.3 (normal range 280 m) with one gate opened; and Pantabangan Dam – 209.94 (normal range – 221 m).
The water levels of Angat (201.73 meters), Ipo (99.99 meters), and La Mesa Dams (79.5 meters) have decreased, according to PAGASA.
The state weather agency also assured that it is following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the gradual release of water from dams to prevent severe flooding in downstream communities.
PAGASA is also closely coordinating with partner agencies to monitor movements of weather disturbances to provide timely information.
“As early as last week, we’ve been coordinating with partner agencies natin in terms of disaster preparedness and mitigation regarding the effects of not only Nika but also tropical cyclone Ofel,” Perez said.
“Patuloy po tayong makikipag-coordinate [to] provide updates on rainfall forecast, [at] wind signal para po we [can] prepare yung mga kababayan natin in those regions na posibleng maapektuhan din nitong paparating na bagyo,” he added.
In its 11:00 a.m. update, PAGASA said Severe Tropical Storm Nika is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this Tuesday afternoon.
Tropical Storm Ofel is forecast to intensify as it approaches the Philippine landmass and may reach typhoon intensity prior to landfall over Northern or Central Luzon.
—av