A nearly 300-year-old village settlement, submerged by a dam in the 1970s, has reappeared in the northern Philippines due to a prolonged drought. Parts of the settlement, including a church and tombstones, emerged from the waters of the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija province.
The dam’s water levels have dropped nearly 50 meters below normal, allowing the village to resurface for the sixth time since the dam’s construction. “This is the longest time (it was visible) based on my experience,” Paladin told news agency AFP.
The reemergence of the village is a rare and fascinating sight, offering a glimpse into the past of the region. The village’s reappearance has sparked interest and curiosity among locals and historians alike.
The severe drought in the Philippines is a result of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has brought below-average rainfall to the country. Half of the Philippines’ provinces, including Nueva Ecija, are officially experiencing drought conditions, leading to challenges such as power shortages and health concerns.
As temperatures continue to soar and the drought persists, the village of Pantabangan serves as a reminder of the impact of climate change on our environment and heritage. The reemergence of this historic settlement is a stark reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human development.