Laguna Lake has exceeded its critical level of 12.50 meters due to Typhoon Wipha and the southwest monsoon, reaching 12.62 meters as of July 24. This overflow severely impacts communities, as homes are submerged and thousands are displaced. Small businesses close, daily wage earners lose income, and local markets are disrupted, causing widespread financial hardship. The lake's vulnerability is exacerbated by severe environmental degradation, particularly from plastic and water pollution. Improper waste disposal and agricultural runoff continually flush contaminants into the lake, accelerating eutrophication and siltation, which further reduces its water-holding capacity.