How have the heavy rains affected the water levels in the Philippines' dams?

The heavy rainfall from the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones has led to a significant increase in water levels at several dams across Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. Angat Dam, the main water source for Metro Manila, has seen its water level rise by nearly half a foot in just one day, bringing it close to its normal high-water level.

What is the outlook for the Philippines' water supplies and agriculture in the coming months?

With the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration predicting above-normal rainfall through February 2026 due to the return of La Niña conditions, the country's agriculture and water supplies are expected to continue recovering in the coming months. The refilling of the dams should help boost water availability for various uses, including agriculture, power generation, and residential use.

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Dams in the Philippines Overflow After Heavy Rains, Bringing Relief and Challenges

Q: What were the impacts of the recent droughts in the Philippines?

The prolonged droughts over the last two years, induced by a powerful El Niño event, had severely impacted the Philippines, leading to widespread crop failures, water shortages, and poor soil health. The droughts had even forced some families to withdraw their children from school to assist with farming.

26 Oct

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Summary

Heavy rainfall from monsoon and cyclones raised water levels in Philippine dams
Angat Dam, Metro Manila's main water source, neared its normal high-water level
Droughts over the last two years had severely impacted the country

Dams in the Philippines Overflow After Heavy Rains, Bringing Relief and Challenges

As of October 26th, 2025, heavy rainfall brought on by an enhanced southwest monsoon and several tropical cyclones has led to higher water levels at multiple reservoirs across Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. Officials have reported the need to open gates at these dams to prevent overflows, indicating a significant increase in water supply.

While the heavy rains have caused flooding in some areas, this influx of water is a much-needed relief after the country experienced prolonged droughts over the last two years, induced by a powerful El Niño event. The United Nations has reported that these droughts had severely impacted the Philippines, leading to widespread crop failures, water shortages, and poor soil health.