Public Interest

Damning report: Dams rushed to open gates only at height of Ulysses

By Infrawatch PH

November 14, 2020

We reviewed PAGASA’s daily dam reports over the period of two and a half weeks, from 27 Oct to 14 Nov, during which Quinta, Rolly, Siony, Tonyo and Ulysses entered Luzon island.

Some observations:

a. Ipo opened its gates (4) only on 12 Nov, during and after Ulysses pummeled Luzon island.

b. Angat opened its gates (2) only on 12 Nov.

c. From 1 Nov, Magat typically opened zero, one or two gates (width between 0.5 meters to 4 meters), with only two gates open on the morning of 12 Nov, the day Ulysses made landfall.

d. On 13 Nov, Magat opened seven gates, with a width of 24 meters.

e. Magat did not make sufficient water drawdown 2-3 days prior to Ulysses, as mandated by its protocol, because its gates were not even open 3-4 days prior landfall.

f. Caliraya Dam issued a Notice of Dam Discharge to local governments on 12 November, 2am.

Tell us again: how is this not criminal incompetence?