THREE CONSECUTIVE typhoons passing through the northern part of the Philippines in the past week, which have been intensifying monsoon rains, have caused major flooding in the low-lying coastal city of Dagupan as well as surrounding towns in Pangasinan. In a statement Sunday, Dagupan Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said the flood “caused by the swelling of Sinocalan River” has affected more than 44,000 families in 31 barangays and several evacuation centers have been set up. A number of roads in and around Dagupan were not passable to light vehicles. “(W)e are praying and hoping that there will be no release of water from the San Roque and other dams… I’m going around to assess the situation, our CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) is working 24 /7,” Ms. Fernandez said.
DAM STATUS
As of Sunday morning, data from the National Power Corporation show the San Roque Dam in San Manuel town was still below the critical elevation of 280 meters above sea level (masl) at 261.12 masl, higher than the previous day’s 258.42. The Binga Dam in Itogon, Benguet, however, was tagged critical level and spilling operations were ongoing.

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