Laguna Lake Water Level Surpasses Critical Mark Due to Heavy Rains

The water level at Laguna de Bay has risen above its critical high-water mark, reaching 12.73 meters as of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). In its 1:15 p.m. advisory, the LLDA attributed the rising lake level to persistent heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area. The latest reading surpassed the 12.68-meter level recorded at 9 a.m. on Monday, September 7.The LLDA classifies 10.50 meters as the lake’s critical low-water level and 12.50 meters as its critical high-water level. READ: Over 20,000 kg of fish die in latest Laguna de Bay fish kill The agency advised residents living along the shores of Laguna de Bay to “prepare for potential flooding and strictly adhere to local evacuation protocols if continuous rainfall persists.” At least 29 lakeshore barangays remained flooded, affecting communities in the towns of San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Los Baños, Bay, Calamba, Santa Cruz, Pakil and Paete, according to various news reports. Laguna de Bay has served as a natural catch basin for water from the watersheds in Laguna and Rizal provinces, as well as parts of Metro Manila. /das