Flooding in Cagayan, Isabela November 14, 2020 updates

MANILA, Philippines – In the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses (international name Vamco), areas of Cagayan province and Isabela in Region 2 were submerged in the floodwaters as Magat Dam reached critical level and gates were opened to release more waters.

Rescue operations in Isabela as houses were submerged in flood waters | via PTV Cordillera

At least nine people were killed by landslides, drowning and electrocution according to Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba in a TeleRadyo interview on Saturday morning, November 14.

Thousands of residents in Cagayan, Isabela and other provinces part of Cagayan River were trapped in their homes or on rooftops since the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses, with some urgently calling for help online.

Humihingi ng tulong ang marami nating kababayan sa Cagayan at Isabela dahil sa matinding pagbaha. #RescuePH #CagayanNeedsHelp #IsabelaNeedsHelp

Posted by The Summit Express on Friday, November 13, 2020

Seven gates of Magat Dam were opened on Thursday as the water level rose to 192.88 meters, which was already near its spilling level of 193 meters.

Magat River is a tributary of the Cagayan River. Magat has been releasing excess water to help ensure the dam's structural integrity.

“Masyado na itong malaki ‘yung pinapakawalan ng Magat Dam para sa capacity ng Magat River pati na rin ng Cagayan River," hydrologist Richard Orendain said.

literally I cried...🥺😭 cute ang saya saya nila huhu. our bayanihan still do exist.. praying for u guys!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #CagayanNeedsHelp pic.twitter.com/kbvKfxB6om

— ☾ (@yoogirltine) November 14, 2020

Magat has been releasing excess water to help ensure the dam's structural integrity.

The river's water level in Tuguegarao City rose to 12.7 meters on Friday -- surpassing the 11-meter high critical level and equaling its 2010 record water elevation, according to Leo Buñag, chief of the Cagayan River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center.

Aside from Magat Dam, Cagayan River is receiving excess water coming from Sierra Madre and Cordillera mountain ranges, due to substantial rains from recent weather events.

Got this from @gangbadoy please send help to Cagayan! Hope this tweet reaches help! #CagayanNeedsHelp #TuguegaraoNeedsHelp pic.twitter.com/JNuDM16Fdk

— Dr. Gia Sison (@giasison) November 14, 2020

The dam's reservoir level remained at spilling level of 192.18 meters at 5 am on Saturday using 5 spillway gates, which later went down to 3.

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD AWARENESS SO OTHERS COULD SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CAGAYAN. Water is still rising due to Magat Dam. People are desperately asking to be rescued as they scream in their roof w/ empty stomach and no sleep. HEAR US. HELP US. CAGAYAN NEEDS US.#CagayanNeedsHelp pic.twitter.com/Ikk5pNY2NC

— JIROKUNTV (@iamjirokun) November 13, 2020

— The Summit Express