Manila: The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Thursday debunked the 'potential collapse' of dams in the country due to continuous heavy rains. During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen allayed concerns amid speculations circulating online. He said these social media posts are not true and are unlikely to happen considering the integrity of water reservoir structures, particularly the Magat and Pantabangan dams.

According to Philippines News Agency, Guillen emphasized that the Magat and Pantabangan dams have withstood even stronger rainfall in the past and remain structurally sound. The structural integrity of these dams is subject to the government's close evaluation and assessment to ensure safety despite inclement weather. Guillen noted that regular monitoring, maintenance, and operations are conducted to uphold the safety and functionality of these critical infrastructures.

The NIA chief also reiterated that despite dams spilling over due to heavy monsoon rains, the high volume of water reserves remains beneficial to the country's irrigation system ahead of a severe El Ni±o. Guillen mentioned that the Pantabangan Dam still has 30 meters before it overflows, while the Magat has about 10 meters. He assured that innovative strategies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), are being employed to sustain close monitoring of these dams.

Guillen highlighted that the NIA uses AI for weather forecasting, allowing them to anticipate rainfall and manage water levels effectively. This proactive approach aids significantly in flood control by enabling the prerelease of excess water. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the water level in Magat Dam is 178.73 meters above sea level (masl), slightly higher than the previous level. The Pantabangan Dam water level is logged at 188.94 masl, showing an increase from earlier measurements. The NIA confirmed that no spill discharge has been recorded yet at both dams.