Super Typhoon Pepito: Dams Open, Water Levels Rising
Ah, Luzon—land of stunning views, vibrant culture, and the occasional super typhoon that decides it’s time to throw a wild party with nature’s waterworks. That’s right, folks! This Sunday morning, just as everyone was readying their brunch plans, the Ambuklao, Binga, San Roque, and Magat dams had a collective “open sesame” moment to release water before Super Typhoon Pepito—international name Man-Yi (which sounds like a tiny typhoon in some hip café, doesn’t it?)—arrives in full force.
Water, Water Everywhere
So, what’s the story with these dams? Well, if you’re looking for a splash of excitement in your day, check this out: the Ambuklao Dam in Benguet had four of its gates wide open at 2.0 meters by 8 a.m. Sunday—talk about early morning motivation! The water level was hovering at a cheeky 750.42 meters, just two tiny meters shy of the spilling level. I mean, can you imagine the drama? “Hold back the floodgates, taxi driver! The brunch crowd is coming!”
Binga Dam, also in Benguet, was having a similar water party, also with four gates flung open at 2.0 meters. Its water level at 572.29 meters—just about a hop, skip, and jump away from its 575-meter spilling level. It’s like these dams are on a countdown clock to the “Big Splash.” I can hear them now: “Five… four… three… oh look, there goes the neighborhood!”
A Tale of Two More Dams
Then there’s the San Roque and Magat Dams, straddling the borders of Pangasinan and Benguet, and Ifugao and Isabela respectively. San Roque, bless its engineering heart, had two gates open at 3.0 meters, as the water level stood at 277.17 meters—again, just shy of the 280-meter spilling threshold. And Magat? Well, it was waving a little flag at 181.93 meters—just nine bouncy meters below the 193-meter mark. It’s like they’re all playing a game of limbo, but with water instead of wine. “How low can you go?”
Brace for the Deluge!
PAGASA, the Philippines’ own oracle of the weather, has informed us that Pepito is expected to unleash heavy to intense rains of 100-200 mm over Benguet, Pangasinan, and other areas on Sunday. Just the kind of rainy day that makes you want to wrap up in a warm blanket and scream “Why do I live here?” while secretly scrolling through vacation getaways online.
To add more excitement to the mix, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 has been raised over regions including the southern portion of Isabela, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Ifugao. At this point, it seems like the only things missing from this weather bulletin could be a soundtrack and perhaps a cameo from a local celebrity screaming “Let’s get ready to rumble!”
Stay Safe, Everyone!
As the excitement builds and water flows, let’s remind ourselves to stay safe and smart. It’s important to keep an eye on these rising water levels and heed any local advisories. Remember, if the floods start turning your street into a makeshift river, it might be time to reconsider those brunch plans!
So buckle up, folks! Super Typhoon Pepito is on its way, bringing with it a mix of stormy weather, open dams, and plenty of opportunity for wet-and-wild moments—both natural and for your everyday life. Keep your raincoats handy, and may your umbrellas be ever strong!
In a precautionary measure ahead of the impending heavy rains from Super Typhoon Pepito, also known internationally as Man-Yi, four critical dams in Luzon activated their flood management protocols by opening several gates on Sunday morning.
The dams involved in this operation include the Ambuklao, Binga, San Roque, and Magat Dams, all strategically located in areas prone to flooding.
As per data released by PAGASA, Ambuklao Dam, situated in Benguet, had four of its gates raised to a height of 2.0 meters by 8 a.m. Sunday, with the water level in the reservoir recorded at 750.42 meters, approaching the critical 752-meter spilling threshold.
Simultaneously, Binga Dam, also located in Benguet, opened four gates to a 2.0-meter height. The water level at Binga was logged at 572.29 meters, nearing the 575-meter spilling level, indicating that the dam is under close management to mitigate flood risks.
Furthermore, San Roque Dam, which spans the provinces of Pangasinan and Benguet, opened two gates at a height of 3.0 meters to regulate the water flow. The water level at San Roque reached 277.17 meters on Sunday, close to the 280-meter spilling limit.
Magat Dam, which serves both Ifugao and Isabela, also reported its water level at 181.93 meters, just below the critical spilling level of 193 meters, necessitating careful observation as the rain approaches.
PAGASA has warned that Super Typhoon Pepito is projected to unleash heavy to intense rainfall, estimated between 100 to 200 mm, over regions including Benguet, Pangasinan, and beyond on Sunday.
In line with these weather developments, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 has been issued for the southern portions of Isabela, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Ifugao, as outlined in PAGASA’s 8 a.m. bulletin.
—KG, GMA Integrated News
How does PAGASA ensure the accuracy of its weather forecasts during extreme weather events like Super Typhoon Pepito?
**Interview with PAGASA Meteorologist, Dr. Maria Santos**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Santos! Thank you for joining us today. The arrival of Super Typhoon Pepito seems to be causing quite a stir in Luzon. Can you tell us why the dams have opened their gates?
**Dr. Santos:** Good morning! Yes, indeed, the dams, including Ambuklao, Binga, San Roque, and Magat, are managing increasing water levels in anticipation of heavy rains from Pepito. These preemptive measures are crucial to prevent overflow and minimize potential flooding in downstream areas.
**Editor:** How significant are the water levels in these dams right now?
**Dr. Santos:** As of this morning, Ambuklao Dam is at 750.42 meters, just shy of its spilling level, while Binga is at 572.29 meters. Both dams have opened multiple gates to manage the water. San Roque and Magat are also near their spilling points, but we’ve implemented these measures to keep everyone safe.
**Editor:** With the expected rainfalls of 100-200 mm, how should residents prepare?
**Dr. Santos:** Residents should stay alert to local advisories and be prepared for localized flooding. It’s important to have an emergency kit ready, avoid unnecessary travel, and find safe margins away from bodies of water.
**Editor:** What can you tell us about the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 status?
**Dr. Santos:** This signal indicates that strong winds are expected, with the potential for damage to infrastructure and vegetation. We urge everyone in the affected areas—particularly the southern portions of Isabela, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Ifugao—to take precautions and secure their homes.
**Editor:** Lastly, what’s your advice for those feeling overwhelmed by this situation?
**Dr. Santos:** It’s understandable to feel anxious during such events, but staying informed and following safety protocols can make a difference. Check reliable news sources, prepare your essentials, and try to maintain a positive mindset. Remember, teamwork and community support play vital roles in weathering a storm.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights. Stay safe, and we appreciate the vital work you and PAGASA are doing during these challenging times.
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me! Stay safe, everyone!
