ILOILO City — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Iloilo-Guimaras Irrigation Management Office has called on residents to remain vigilant as sustained rainfall brought by Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon continues to affect river systems and irrigation dams across Iloilo Province.
In its 5 p.m. monitoring report on July 12, NIA said changing water levels were recorded in several dams around the province and advised the public to stay updated through official dam bulletins while wet weather persists.
The highest water level was observed at Aganan Dam in Barangay Igtambo, San Miguel town, where the water reached 3.0 meters above the river bed (marb), surpassing the normal operating level of 2.6 marb. However, all two sluice gates remained closed.
The Suague River Irrigation System Dam in Barangay Tolarucan, Mina also exceeded its normal level, registering 2.80 marb against the standard 2.50 marb. One of its sluice gates was open at the time of monitoring.
At the Sibalom Diversion Dam in Barangay Anonang, Leon, the water level climbed to 2.53 marb, higher than the normal 2.2 marb. Despite the increase, none of its three sluice gates had been opened.
The Sta. Barbara Dam in Barangay Tungay, Santa Barbara likewise recorded a higher-than-normal water level of 2.35 marb compared with its standard operating level of 1.8 marb. Its only sluice gate remained closed.
Meanwhile, the Barotac Viejo Dam in Barangay Rizal, Barotac Viejo registered a water level of 0.70 marb, below its normal operating level of 1.2 marb. Its lone sluice gate also remained closed.
NIA urged residents, especially those living near rivers and low-lying areas, to remain cautious and continue monitoring official advisories as rains are expected to persist across the province. The agency said it continues to monitor all irrigation facilities to ensure prompt action should water conditions change./PN
