Parched Philippine dam reveals centuries-old town, luring tourists

A drone view shows a a centuries-old sunken town that reemerged amid extreme heat in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 2, 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal

NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines (Reuters) - Ruins of a centuries-old town have emerged at a dam parched by drought in northern Philippines, giving residents a rare spectacle and an extra source of income in a region dependent on rice-growing.

Following a prolonged spell with little rain, the dried-up dam has revealed parts of a sunken church and foundations of old structures from the old town in Nueva Ecija province in recent weeks.