Heavy rains accelerate Jalaur Dam impounding

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The moderate to intense rainfall brought by Supertyphoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon have accelerated the impounding of water in the Jalaur dam’s reservoir.

The National Irrigation Authority reported Thursday that the water elevation in the high dam of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo, has reached 162.38 meters above sea level (masl).

The current water level of the 109-meter high dam is 26.62 meters below its spilling level of 189 masl.

“The progress in our impounding is quite fast, faster than expected because the water is already near our spilling level,” JRMP-II spokesperson Steve Cordero told the Daily Guardian.

“The filling of water in the reservoir accelerated because of the heavy rains in the past few weeks,” he added.

Cordero clarified that the intended catchment area has not yet been fully reached.

Based on NIA’s projections, the water level of the dam is expected to reach an elevation of 123 meters in the first month of the dam plugging process.

In the second month, the water level is projected to increase to an elevation of 143 meters and eventually to 189 meters after 13 months.

The JRMP-II spokesperson also allayed public fears about the dam reaching its spilling level.

“If the spilling level is reached, the water will just flow from our dam and through our gatehouse,” he said.

Cordero assured the public that reaching the spilling level would not cause flash floods, as the dam can release excess water in a controlled manner.

Unlike the Magat Dam and Pantabangan Dam, Cordero said the Jalaur Dam does not require the preemptive opening of gates during typhoons to reduce water containment in its reservoir.

“That is another assurance that there is mitigation for flooding and no occurrence of flash floods,” he added.

The JRMP II, with its three dam components, is expected to mitigate flooding in Calinog and nearby towns once completed.