Magat dam hits critical level

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Magat Dam along the border of Isabela and Ifugao has reached critical level amid continuous rains since Monday.

The National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System said the water level in the dam was at 190.61 meters as of 2 p.m. yesterday.

The reservoir inflow was at 722.49 cubic meters per second while outflow was at 543.94 cms, with one spillway gate opened.

Reports said the dam has been releasing water since Tuesday to avoid reaching its spilling level of 193 meters that can trigger flashfloods along downstream areas in Isabela and Cagayan.

The dam has been the source of irrigation for 80,000 hectares of farmland in Isabela and parts of Quirino and Cagayan.