Photo courtesy of LLDA.
The Laguna Lake Development Authority warned lakeshore communities to remain alert as continued rains from the southwest monsoon could push Laguna de Bay’s water level higher.
The lake’s average level reached about 11.90 meters as of 7 a.m. Monday, based on near-real-time readings from the agency’s radar monitoring system.
The figure was still below the 12.50-meter critical high-water mark, but the LLDA said further rainfall and increased inflows from surrounding watersheds could cause additional rises.
The lake had climbed from 11.79 meters at noon Sunday to 11.84 meters by 8:30 p.m. before reaching 11.90 meters the next morning.
Residents in low-lying communities near the lake were advised to watch for localized flooding, especially during prolonged or intense rain.
Fishers and operators of fish pens and cages were also urged to secure their structures as strong winds and rough waters could accompany monsoon thunderstorms.
The LLDA said heavy runoff could also affect water quality by increasing turbidity and carrying waste and pollutants into the lake, which may affect fish production and water treatment.
The agency said it would continue monitoring the lake level and watershed inflows in coordination with disaster officials and Pagasa.