A centuries-old settlement was submerged when the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija province, Philippines, was built in the 1970s.
However, over the past few months, a prolonged drought combined with extreme heat has caused a part of an ancient relic over 300 years old to suddenly appear on the surface of a water area that is about to dry up.
Part of the site, which includes a church, a city landmark and several tombstones, has emerged after months without a drop of rain, said Marlon Paladin, a supervising engineer for the National Water Resources Authority.
Data from the national weather forecasting agency showed that the reservoir's water level had dropped nearly 50 meters from its normal recorded level of 221 meters.
Many experts say that this year, people in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, have suffered from unusually extreme weather due to the El Nino phenomenon. About half of the country’s provinces, including Nueva Ecja, have fallen into a state of severe drought.
Despite the terrible heat wave, this event is attracting domestic and foreign tourists. Many people are willing to pay about 5 USD (100,000 VND) to rent a fisherman's boat to go to the middle of the lake to get a close-up view.
Nely Villena, who lives in Pantabangan City, regularly visits the observation deck overlooking the dam to admire the ancient ruins.
Meanwhile, Melanie Dela Cruz, 68, used to be one of the residents. When the dam appeared, causing the residential area to be submerged, many people had to leave to find a living elsewhere. This year, the ancient ruins reappeared, bringing back old memories for Ms. Cruz.
"When I saw it, I was very emotional because I remembered my old life. This is where I was born and studied," Ms. Cruz recalled.
Low water levels have forced two nearby hydroelectric plants to shut down since early this month. It has also affected the amount of irrigation water available to farmers, forcing some to switch to crops that require less water.
If the water rises, the ancient ruins will disappear again, but Mrs. Cruz still prays for rain every day.
"Even though we can't see it anymore, water is more necessary for life. We farmers really want enough water to irrigate our fields," she said.
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