Cagayan river water level rises slowly, flood warning is issued

MANILA, Philippines – Residents living near the lower areas of the Cagayan River were advised to take precautions and prepare for a possible flood Sunday morning as the water level rises slowly.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said there is a threat of flooding in the lower Cagayan River and its Pinacanauan tributaries of Tuguegarao, Chico, Pared and Dummun.

Low-lying areas expected to be affected include Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Amulung, Alcala, Baggao, Lasam, Gattaran, Lallo, Camalaniugan and Aparri.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said “floods are still possible” in the upper Cagayan and middle Cagayan rivers and their tributaries.

In its weather forecast Sunday morning, the state meteorological office reported that the end of a frontal system or the interaction of cold air and warm air from the Pacific Ocean will bring rain to several areas of Luzon, including the Cagayan Valley.

The province of Cagayan is still recovering from the massive flooding caused by Typhoon Ulysses earlier this month.

The flooding worsened when the Magat Dam opened seven floodgates to release water after it reached its spill level, directly affecting several municipalities in the province.

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