NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Magat Dam Increases Discharge As TS Paolo Rains Raise Water Levels
Screengrab from NIA MARIIS
October 3, 2025 - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has confirmed that the Magat Dam is implementing additional spillway gate openings today, October 3, 2025, to manage rising water levels caused by continuous rainfall from Tropical Storm Paolo.
Rainfall gauges in the region have recorded significant volumes of water flowing into the Magat Watershed, which subsequently feeds the Magat Reservoir. To maintain a safe operating level for the dam and to accommodate expected future rain inflow, controlled water releases are necessary.
The dam management initiated a series of controlled gate openings throughout the day. Spillway Gate #3 was increased from one meter to two meters at 7:00 AM. Subsequent openings included Spillway Gate #5 being opened at one meter at 9:00 AM and increased to two meters at 11:00 AM. Spillway Gate #6 followed, opening at one meter at 1:00 PM and increasing to two meters by 2:00 PM. Spillway Gate #7 was opened at one meter at 3:00 PM and later increased to two meters at 4:00 PM.
The final adjustments are scheduled for later this afternoon. Spillway Gate #1 will be opened at one meter at 4:30 PM and will be further increased to two meters by 5:00 PM.
By 5:00 PM today, a total of six gates will be open with a combined height of 12 meters, resulting in a total water discharge of 1,761 cubic meters per second (cms).
The public is strongly cautioned regarding this discharge operation. Authorities have issued a warning to residents in areas prone to flooding downstream of the Magat River, specifically mentioning Aurora, San Mateo, and Gamu. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take all necessary safety precautions. The NIA emphasized the importance of circulating this public advisory to ensure the safety and awareness of all communities along the river.
Rainfall gauges in the region have recorded significant volumes of water flowing into the Magat Watershed, which subsequently feeds the Magat Reservoir. To maintain a safe operating level for the dam and to accommodate expected future rain inflow, controlled water releases are necessary.
The dam management initiated a series of controlled gate openings throughout the day. Spillway Gate #3 was increased from one meter to two meters at 7:00 AM. Subsequent openings included Spillway Gate #5 being opened at one meter at 9:00 AM and increased to two meters at 11:00 AM. Spillway Gate #6 followed, opening at one meter at 1:00 PM and increasing to two meters by 2:00 PM. Spillway Gate #7 was opened at one meter at 3:00 PM and later increased to two meters at 4:00 PM.
The final adjustments are scheduled for later this afternoon. Spillway Gate #1 will be opened at one meter at 4:30 PM and will be further increased to two meters by 5:00 PM.
By 5:00 PM today, a total of six gates will be open with a combined height of 12 meters, resulting in a total water discharge of 1,761 cubic meters per second (cms).
The public is strongly cautioned regarding this discharge operation. Authorities have issued a warning to residents in areas prone to flooding downstream of the Magat River, specifically mentioning Aurora, San Mateo, and Gamu. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take all necessary safety precautions. The NIA emphasized the importance of circulating this public advisory to ensure the safety and awareness of all communities along the river.
Oct 3, 2025
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