Cagayan, Isabela residents warned of higher floods

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Residents in Cagayan Valley, one of the regions affected by Typhoon Karen (Sarika), were warned of possible flashfloods and landslides due to the continuous release of water from the Magat Dam.

In its 5 pm flood bulletin on Sunday, October 16, PAGASA-North Luzon said flashfloods could hit dozens of low-lying areas in Isabela and Cagayan within the the next 8 to 12 hours.

Forecasters advised local disaster agencies to immediately alert residents of affected areas.

As of 7 pm, Magat Dam’s 7 spillway gates were opened at 13 meters high. The water level was 189.81 meters and the outflow was 2,638 cubic meters per second.

PAGASA said rising water levels in the upper, middle, and lower Cagayan River as well as its tributaries are threatening 16 towns in Isabela province and 13 towns in Cagayan province.

In Tuguegarao City, the Pinacanauan Overflow Bridge and Teresa Boulevard are already unpassable, according to the city disaster agency.

Several bridges were also closed in Isabela province due to swollen rivers. As of 8 pm, these bridges are: 

• Pigalo Bridge in Angadanan town
• Baculud Overflow Bridge in Ilagan City
• Masaya Sur Overflow Bridge in San Agustin town
• Santo Tomas Overflow Bridge in Santo Tomas town
• Gucab-Annafunan Overflow Bridge in Echague town
• Alicacao Bridge in Cauayan City
• Santa Maria Overflow Bridge in Santa Maria town
• Cabisera 8 in Ilagan City
• Turod-Banquero Bridge in Reina Mercedes town

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba already suspended classes in all levels in the province for Monday, October 17.

Cagayan disaster risk reduction and management chief Bonifacio Cuarteros said they recommended the suspension of classes due to “expected flooding in low-lying areas” and to ensure the safety of students crossing the overflow bridges Tawi, Abusag, Bagunut, Maguiling Piat, and Tuguegarao Pinacanauan.

The province is considered a catch basin, receiving large amounts of rainfall from Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mountain Province. – Rappler.com