Water levels in Angat Dam continued to decline for the fourth consecutive day this week, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.
As of Thursday, May 21, the water level at Angat Dam stood at 176.73 meters, down by 0.32 meters from Wednesday’s level of 177.05 meters.
Angat Dam supplies about 95% of Metro Manila’s water needs and irrigates around 28,000 hectares of farmland in Bulacan and Pampanga.
PAGASA said the dam’s normal high water level is 210 meters, while its critical low level is at 160 meters.
Data from PAGASA showed the dam’s water level steadily declined this week, from 177.79 meters on Monday to 177.41 meters on Tuesday and 177.05 meters on Wednesday.
The Climate Change Commission earlier warned that declining water levels in Luzon dams highlight the urgent need for stronger local climate action and measures to address water security risks during prolonged dry periods.
In a news release, the commission said local government units must address climate-related hazards through science-based and forward-looking planning, particularly in the formulation and implementation of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs).
Danger-level heat index forecast
Meanwhile, PAGASA said 43 areas across the country may experience danger-level heat index readings on Thursday.
Sangley Point is expected to record the highest heat index at 46°C.
Areas forecast to experience a 45°C heat index include Dagupan City and Tuguegarao City.
Several areas may experience a 44°C heat index, including Bacnotan, Echague, Baler, Camiling, Daet, Virac, Roxas City, Catarman, Guiuan, Maasin, and Dipolog.
Areas forecast to record a 43°C heat index include Laoag City, Aparri, Bayombong, Casiguran, Subic Bay, Infanta, Legazpi City, Masbate City, and Butuan City.
Meanwhile, areas forecast to experience a 42°C heat index include Pasay City, Iba, Clark International Airport, Muñoz, San Ildefonso, Hacienda Luisita, Alabat, Coron, San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Aborlan, Cuyo, Juban, Pili, Guinobatan, Mambusao, Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Borongan, and Davao City.
PAGASA added that easterlies will continue to affect Metro Manila and parts of Mindanao, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. — Photo from the Climate Change Commission
