Manila: Recent rains experienced in some parts of the country failed to increase the water levels in major reservoirs, and six dams are "critically low" as of Thursday, the head of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando stated that the lack of sufficient rainfall over the past weeks has been the key factor in the decrease in the dams' water levels. He noted that the recent rainfall was localized and primarily caused by thunderstorms, which were not enough to make a significant impact on the dam levels. Servando also confirmed that the ongoing warm and dry season has contributed to the decline in water levels.

Servando highlighted that four dams-Angat, Ambuklao, San Roque, and Pantabangan-are currently at critically low levels, below their respective rule curves. In addition to these, La Mesa and Ipo dams are also considered in a critical low stage due to their interconnectedness with Angat Dam.

PAGASA's records showed specific water levels as of Thursday: Angat Dam at 176.73 meters, Ambuklao at 740.44 meters, San Roque at 227.09 meters, Pantabangan at 187.84 meters, La Mesa at 79.84 meters, and Ipo at 100.29 meters. These measurements fall short of the normal water levels required for each dam, which are 210 meters for Angat, 752 meters for Ambuklao, 280 meters for San Roque, 221 meters for Pantabangan, 80.15 meters for La Mesa, and 101.10 meters for Ipo.

The situation is particularly concerning for Angat Dam, as it is responsible for supplying 98 percent of the potable water in Metro Manila through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.