By Paula Valero
The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) will gradually and measuredly release dam water to prevent flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, as Tropical Storm Kristine batters parts of Luzon and Visayas.
NAPOCOR flood operation manager Maria Teresa Sierra explained that under their old protocol, water from the dams was only released when the dam reached its limit, a practice that has previously worsened the flooding issues in certain areas.
The change in the old protocol is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos's instructions to dam operators on Wednesday to release water before the anticipated heavy rainfall from Kristine to control and reduce the flooding in downstream areas.
NAPOCOR currently handles 12 dams in the country, including five major dams in the Luzon region: Angat Dam, Caliraya Dam, Ambuklao Dam, Binga Dam, and San Roque Dam.
“So right now ‘yung assurance natin ay talagang (our assurance is really) as much as possible we would like to assure the communities na minimize na po ‘yung [measured water release is already minimized] … unless we would be experiencing ‘yung sabihin natin na malakas na talaga na pag-ulan (a heavy downpour),” Sierra said in a Palace press briefing.
“Pero (But) right now, si NAPOCOR assured na po ‘yung ating mga communities (NAPOCOR already assured our communities),” she added.
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