Magat Dam nearing critical level
BAYOMBONG, Philippines — The water level in Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela has continued to decline and is nearing its critical level, according to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
As of 2 p.m. yesterday, Magat’s elevation was 166.51 meters, or higher by only 6.51 than its minimum operating level of 160 meters.
The dam is one of the country’s major sources of power and irrigation supply.
The NIA-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System said the drop in the water level has resulted in fish kill incidents, particularly in Aguinaldo, Ifugao; Cordon, Isabela and Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya.
To prevent further losses, fish cage owners and operators were compelled to sell the remaining live fish at a lower price. They are asking financial assistance from the government.
Magat Dam’s power plant, which is owned and operated by a Norwegian-Filipino consortium, committed to continue providing power even as the elevation is dropping.
Magat generates 350 megawatts of power for the Luzon grid as well as provides irrigation water to 96,000 hectares of palay farms in Isabela, Cagayan and Quirino.
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