Laguna de Bay Water Level Rises, Coastal Communities Urged to Stay Vigilant

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). The LLDA pointed out that communities, especially those with low-income residents, are facing flood risks. The lake's water level has become higher than usual due to the continuous heavy rains from the southwest monsoon and the LPA. This situation could lead to severe flooding for coastal areas, particularly for low-income communities with vulnerable infrastructure. The LLDA is asking residents to prepare evacuation plans and pay attention to directives from their local government units. Communities around Laguna de Bay have been repeatedly hit by floods in the past, and rising water levels directly impact the residents' daily lives. There is an increased risk of flooding in groceries, farms, and homes. In the Philippines, extreme weather events due to climate change are frequent, and coastal communities are constantly required to prepare for natural disasters.