A separate study found that the sea level in Manila Bay rises by 13.24 mm per year. Data from another report said Metro Manila sinks by a rate of 10 cm annually due to the over-extraction of groundwater within the region.

What causes the sinking of Metro Manila?

Experts have identified the main cause, again, as the excessive extraction of groundwater, often through unregulated wells for homes, factories and farms. The sinking has caused water from Manila Bay to pour inland and displace thousands.

Why is the Philippines sinking?

In three decades, this city and its surroundings could be submerged because of climate change, excessive groundwater use and land subsidence. The programme Insight finds out what the Philippines is doing to address this.