Ancient city reemerges in the Philippines as the reservoir shrinks due to heatwave

The scorching temperatures in the Philippines have caused an almost 300-year-old town to resurface, revealing the ruins of Pantabangan town, which was submerged in the 1970s to create a reservoir. This rare occurrence happens when the weather is exceptionally dry and hot, allowing the town to emerge from the water.

According to Marlon Paladin, an engineer from the state agency overseeing the country's dams, this is the longest period Pantabangan has remained above water since the dam's construction. The resurgence of the town coincides with a nationwide drought affecting nearly half of the country, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 50°C (122°F) in some regions.

The intense heatwave has disrupted the daily routines of millions, resulting in school closures and remote work advisories for office employees. Meteorologist Benison Estareja from the state-run weather bureau Pagasa warns that temperatures could rise even further in the coming days.

The Philippines is currently experiencing its hot and dry season, worsened by the occurrence of El Nino, a phenomenon characterized by the abnormal warming of Pacific Ocean waters. The entire eastern coast of this archipelago nation is directly exposed to the Pacific.