Manila sea level rising by 2.6 cm/year - study

The sea level in Manila has been increasing by about 2.6 centimeters per year from an average rate of 1.3 millimeters per year in the 1900s, with groundwater use in the city enhancing the risk of sea level rise in the country’s capital, according to a study.

- BELLA CARIASO

The Philippine Climate Change Assessment report was contained in the 268-page National Adaptation Plan (NAP) approved by President Marcos.

“The implications of rising sea levels are compounded by the occurrence of land subsidence in certain areas, exacerbating the impact of sea level rise and leading to increased vulnerability to flooding and extreme sea levels,” the report said.

Vulnerable

The NAP also cited a report from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration that Southeast Asia is often considered especially vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise, and local areas of the Philippines have been experiencing relatively high rates of sea-level rise.

“About 60 percent of the Philippine population and over 50 percent of Philippine municipalities, including the country’s capital, Manila, are in the coastal zone,” the report said.