A severe drought in the Philippines has revealed the centuries-old town of Pantabangan, which was submerged in the 1970s to build a reservoir. The town has resurfaced due to the extreme heat and dry weather, attracting tourists despite the scorching temperatures.
Pantabangan town was flooded to create a dam that supplies water to surrounding rice-growing regions. However, the drought has caused the water level to drop by nearly 50 meters, exposing the ruins of the old town. The town's re-emergence is a rare occurrence, happening only when the weather is extremely dry and hot.
The Philippines is experiencing its longest drought in recent years, with almost half the country affected. Temperatures have reached record highs, disrupting daily life and forcing schools and offices to shut down. The heatwave is expected to continue, with meteorologists warning of even hotter temperatures in the coming days.
The country is also experiencing the effects of El Nino, a natural phenomenon that causes the warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean. This has led to a dry and warm season, exacerbating the drought.
The Pantabangan dam is one of the many dams in the country that are experiencing low water levels. The drought has also affected agriculture, with rice crops suffering from the lack of water.
Despite the challenges, the re-emergence of Pantabangan town has drawn tourists to the area. Visitors can see the remnants of the old town, including old buildings and structures that were submerged for decades.
The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with its wet season bringing monster storms and its dry season causing droughts and heatwaves. The country is working to address the effects of climate change, including investing in renewable energy and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
In related news, other countries in the region are also experiencing heatwaves and droughts. Bangladesh has suspended classes for 33 million students due to the heat, while Thailand has reported 30 deaths from heatstroke. Myanmar is also experiencing temperatures above 45C.
The heatwave and drought in the Philippines and other countries in the region highlight the need for urgent action to address climate change. The re-emergence of Pantabangan town is a reminder of the impact of human activities on the environment and the need to work together to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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