Laguna de Bay rises to 12.73 meters, above critical mark

A file photo shows Laguna de Bay, the Philippines’ largest lake, which serves as a natural catch basin for waters from watersheds in Laguna and Rizal provinces and parts of Metro Manila. The lake’s water level reached 12.73 meters on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, exceeding its 12.50-meter critical high-water mark amid persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area. — Photo courtesy of LLDA/Facebook LUCENA CITY — The water level at Laguna de Bay continued to rise above its critical high-water mark, reaching 12.73 meters as of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) said. 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, Sept. 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. Article continues after this advertisement 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 Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.