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The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said on Sunday it issued several warnings and advisories before releasing water from the Magat dam.
The agency maintained that its officials were not negligent because they issued notices, reminders and warnings to residents in the Cagayan Valley using their social media channels, radio and television and short message service, as well as traditional sirens, the Integrated Irrigation System NIA -Magat River. (NIA-MARIIS) said in a statement.
“Authorities have warned residents living near low-lying areas, particularly those adjacent to the Magat River and the Cagayan River, to move to higher and safer places as the dam continues to release water as of November 9,” he added.
Huge areas of Cagayan were submerged in what authorities declared the “worst flood since 1981.
The NIA said it had no choice but to release water from the dam, one of the largest in Asia.
The dam’s water level was at 192.15 meters at 6 am Sunday, close to its spill level of 193 meters.
“It is necessary to release water from the reservoir in order to prevent the dam from reaching its critical level of 193 meters above sea level (meters above mean sea level) that can compromise its structural integrity and can result in a major catastrophe in nearby municipalities and more. widespread flooding in Region 2, ”the agency said.
He added that the agency was in close coordination with local officials, the Civil Defense Office, the Provincial Council for Disaster Risk Reduction Management and other interested agencies before, during and after discharging the water from the dam.
Jordeene B. Lagare
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