Several major dams across Western Visayas have recorded rising water levels as heavy rains from Typhoon Tino continued to drench the region, prompting close monitoring by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region VI to ensure the safety of nearby communities and irrigation systems.
As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, NIA’s dam updates showed that most facilities are within warning levels but remain under control, with all sluice gates either closed or partially open in select areas.
In Iloilo province, the Aganan-Sta. Barbara River Irrigation System reported elevated readings at both its main dams. The Aganan Dam in Barangay Igtambo, San Miguel, registered 3.50 meters above riverbed (marb)-well above its normal 2.6 marb level-placing it in the warning category.
Meanwhile, the Sta. Barbara Dam in Brgy. Tungay, Sta. Barbara rose to 3.30 marb from a normal 1.8 marb. Both dams have no open sluice gates as of 7 a.m.
The Barotac Viejo Dam in Barangay Rizal, Barotac Viejo, measured 1.50 marb, exceeding its 1.2 marb normal level and also under warning status. The Sibalom Diversion Dam in Barangay Anonang, Leon, posted 2.81 marb, up from its usual 2.2 marb, while the Suague River Irrigation System (RIS) Dam in Barangay Tolarucan, Mina, rose to 3.20 marb, surpassing the 2.5 marb mark, with one gate already opened to ease water pressure.
For the Jalaur-Suague River Irrigation System in Barangay Moroboro, Dingle, the Jalaur Dam recorded 23.60 meters above sea level (masl), slightly below its 24 masl normal operating elevation-classified as normal, with 12 of its 13 main gates open to regulate water discharge.
In Antique, the Nasuli Dam in Barangay Nasuli, San Remigio, showed a significant increase to 3.4 marb from its 2.0 marb normal level, with all three sluice gates open to release excess water and prevent overflow.
In Capiz, the Mambusao River Irrigation System (RIS) in Brgy. Sinondojan, Mambusao, reached 20.30 masl, exceeding its 19.10 masl normal level, though all sluice gates remain closed.
Meanwhile, in Aklan, both the Panakuyan RIS in Barangay. Agdugayan, Ibajay, and Aklan RIS-East in Barangay Sigcay, Banga, registered minor increases, with 16.00 masl and 18.90 masl, respectively-both above their normal operating elevations and tagged under warning status.
The NIA said all dams in the region are being continuously monitored in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and local government units. Authorities assured that no dam is in critical condition as of this report, but preemptive measures are being implemented to safeguard residents living near riverbanks and downstream communities.
NIA advised the public to stay alert and follow local advisories, especially those living in flood-prone or low-lying areas. Emergency hotlines have been activated for Western Visayas at 0951-1227-056 and 0956-5562-463 for any urgent coordination or reporting of water level changes.
Heavy rainfall from Tino has affected large parts of Panay Island since Monday, inundating low-lying barangays and prompting class and work suspensions in Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier warned that saturated soils and continuous rains may cause river swelling and flash floods in Western Visayas, even as the typhoon gradually weakens while crossing the Visayas region