San manuel: A gate of the San Roque Dam will be opened by 0.5 meters starting 4 p.m. Wednesday to address the rising water from the series of tropical cyclones and impact of the southwest monsoon. The opening is estimated to lessen water in the reservoir by about 65 cubic meters per second, the National Power Corporation-San Roque Dam Office said in a notice. As of noon Wednesday, water level at the dam is at 277.86 meters above sea level (masl), near its spilling level at 280 masl.

According to Philippines News Agency, Flood operation manager Teresa Serra explained that the gate opening is a precautionary measure aimed at reducing the water elevation in the San Roque Dam. She assured that this release would have little to no effect on the river systems. Serra emphasized the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions, particularly because the upstream Ambuklao and Binga dams continue to release water into San Roque Dam.

The notice advised residents to stay alert and prepare for the possibility of further spilling operations, should significant rainfall affect the basin due to the southwest monsoon. Serra mentioned that the notice was disseminated to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and local counterparts in several towns, including San Manuel, San Nicolas, Asingan, Tayug, Sta. Maria, Rosales, Villasis, Sto. Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, and Bayambang.

Residents, especially those near riverbanks, are urged to stay informed and heed relevant warnings as they are issued. Some areas in Pangasinan are already experiencing flooding due to swollen rivers and heavy rainfall from previous weather disturbances and the southwest monsoon effects.