MANILA, Philippines: A state hydrologist warned that water shortage, especially in Metro Manila, remains likely during the first half of 2024 even after Angat Dam is beyond its normal high water level (NHWL). Senior hydrologist Elmer Caringal of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) told The Manila Times via Viber that the dam's current NHWL at 213 meters was not an assurance that water shortage would be far-fetched. In fact, dam operators have opened at least three gates of Angat to release 'excess water' to at least keep it at its 212 m NHWL, Caringal said.