Habagat raises water levels in Antique dams; NIA urges public alert

Heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) have raised water levels in three major irrigation dams in Antique. As of 8 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, Tipuluan Dam reached 3.7 meters above river bed (marb) — well above its 2.5-marb normal operating level and under the critical category. Nasuli Dam recorded 3.0 marb and Solong Dam 2.8 marb, both under the warning category. — Photos courtesy of NIA ILOILO CITY — Persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) have pushed water levels at two major irrigation dams in Antique into warning and critical levels, prompting the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to urge residents to remain vigilant amid the continuing downpour. In its 8 a.m. dam update on Friday, July 24, the NIA-Region 6 Antique Irrigation Management Office reported elevated water levels at the Nasuli, Solong and Tipuluan dams, all part of the Sibalom-San Jose Irrigation System. The Tipuluan Dam in Barangay Cubay, Sibalom registered a water level of 3.7 meters above river bed (marb), exceeding its normal operating level of 2.5 marb and placing it under the agency’s critical category. Despite the elevated water level, no sluice gates were opened. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Kiyapo putting 6,947 barangays at risk of landslides, floods — OCD The Nasuli Dam in Barangay Nasuli, San Remigio recorded a water level of 3.0 marb, above its normal operating level of 2.0 marb, placing it under the warning category. One of its three sluice gates was opened to help regulate water levels. Meanwhile, the Solong Dam in Barangay Solong, Sibalom reached 2.8 marb, also above its normal operating level of 1.5 marb and under the warning category. Both of its sluice gates were opened. The NIA reminded residents that with rains continuing across different parts of Antique, they should remain prepared and alert, closely monitor official weather bulletins, and follow succeeding dam updates. The advisory comes as Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed several municipalities in Antique under red and orange heavy rainfall warnings on Friday due to the enhanced southwest monsoon. Article continues after this advertisement Under the red warning, where serious flooding is expected, are the municipalities of Belison, San Jose, Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, Anini-y, Sibalom and San Remigio. Patnongon, Barbaza, Laua-an, Bugasong and Valderrama remain under the orange warning, where flooding is considered threatening. Authorities urged residents, particularly those living near rivers and downstream of irrigation structures, to remain vigilant and heed instructions from local disaster management officials should evacuations become necessary. /das Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.