Lakeshore communities warned as Laguna de Bay water level rises

LUCENA CITY — The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) on Tuesday urged residents along the shores of Laguna de Bay to remain vigilant as the lake’s water level continued to rise above its critical high-water mark amid persistent rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area (LPA).

“Due to persistent torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon and a Low Pressure Area, the water level of Laguna de Bay has exceeded its critical high mark of 12.50 meters, reaching 12.67 meters,” the LLDA said in an advisory issued at 10:15 a.m.

The agency said the recorded 12.67-meter water level was at 10 a.m. The LLDA considers 10.50 meters as the lake’s critical low-water level and 12.50 meters as its critical high-water level.

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READ: Laguna de Bay breaches critical mark – LLDA

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According to the LLDA, Laguna de Bay reached the critical high-water level of 12.50 meters last week before rising further to 12.58 meters on Saturday, August 29.

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

The LLDA also urged lakeshore residents to prepare for possible flooding and strictly follow local evacuation protocols if heavy rainfall persists.

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 Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said heavy rainfall was expected in parts of Luzon from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon due to the southwest monsoon, which in turn was being enhanced by Tropical Storm Pilandok.

READ: Pilandok intensifies into tropical storm Tuesday morning

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Meanwhile, the weather bureau monitored three other weather disturbances outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The LLDA urged local governments and residents in vulnerable areas to remain prepared and closely monitor weather developments.

Authorities were also advised to keep drainage systems and tributary rivers leading to the lake free of obstruction 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./coa