Laguna de Bay breaches critical mark – LLDA

LUCENA CITY — The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) urged residents living along the shores of Laguna de Bay to remain vigilant after the lake’s water level rose above its critical high-water mark on Saturday afternoon amid persistent rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or “habagat.”

“Due to persistent torrential rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and a Low Pressure Area (LPA), the water level of Laguna de Bay has exceeded its critical high mark of 12.50 meters, reaching 12.58 meters,” the LLDA said in an advisory issued shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.

The agency said the 12.58-meter water level was recorded at 3 p.m. The LLDA considers 10.50 meters the lake’s critical low-water level and 12.50 meters its critical high-water level.

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READ: Laguna de Bay water level drops, LLDA warns of algal blooms, fish kills

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“Residents living along the shores of Laguna de Bay are strongly advised to remain vigilant and closely monitor official public announcements,” the agency said.

It also advised lakeshore residents to prepare for possible flooding and strictly follow local evacuation protocols if heavy rainfall persists.

The state weather bureau had earlier raised a red rainfall warning over Metro Manila and eight areas in Luzon due to heavy rains associated with the southwest monsoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned of potentially dangerous flooding in areas under the red warning.

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According to the LLDA, Laguna de Bay had reached its critical high-water level of 12.50 meters in the past week before rising further to 12.58 meters on Saturday.

The agency noted that Laguna de Bay serves as a natural catch basin for water from watersheds in Laguna and Rizal provinces, as well as parts of Metro Manila. Rising lake levels therefore increase the risk of flooding in low-lying communities along its shores.

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The LLDA urged local government units (LGUs) and residents in vulnerable areas to remain prepared and closely monitor developments.

Authorities were also advised to keep drainage systems and tributary rivers leading to the lake clear of obstructions to help minimize flood risks.

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Located between Laguna province to the south and Rizal province to the north, Laguna de Bay is the Philippines’ largest lake and one of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lakes by surface area, covering approximately 911 to 949 square kilometers. /das