ILOILO City – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Western Visayas has heightened its alert status to blue in response to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, enhancing monitoring and coordination efforts across the region to mitigate potential adverse effects.
Its chairperson, Director Raul Fernandez of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6, also issued Memorandum No. 25, Series of 2024 activating select response clusters.
The RDRRMC cited reports of below-normal rainfall, leading to significant drought in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Guimaras.
The response clusters activated included Logistics, Law and Order, Food and Non-Food, Health, and Education. They are set to facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance throughout the region.
The RDRRMC also noted the declaration of state of calamities by 24 local government units (LGUs) due to the severe impact of El Niño on their agriculture sector.
According to Fernandez, “The declaration by these LGUs necessitated enhanced coordination for a more effective response to emergencies, allowing us to utilize our quick response funds for assisting government agencies and LGUs with transportation for food and non-food items.”
The blue alert status will remain in effect as long as the region feels the impact of El Niño, with Fernandez noting that five out of six provinces are currently experiencing drought conditions.
He also highlighted that Aklan is in a “dry” condition but may face drought by May 2024.
With the weather expected to remain warm until May, Fernandez urged the public to exercise caution and discipline, particularly with open flames, to prevent fire incidents.
From January to April this year, the region has experienced almost daily fire calls due to structural, rubbish, grass, and post fires, he said.
As of April 16, the recorded damage from El Niño in the region amounted to P770.59 million, with a breakdown per province as follows:
* Iloilo – P519.20 million
* Negros Occidental – P78.45 million
* Antique – P130.70 million
* Capiz – P12.05 million
* Aklan – P30.19 million
A total of 51 LGUs across the region have submitted damage reports due to the El Niño phenomenon. This includes extensive reporting from the following:
* Iloilo (20 LGUs) – Tigbauan, Oton, Tubungan, Anilao, San Enrique, Cabatuan, Barotac Nuevo, Miag-ao, Mina, Dingle, Dumangas, Igbaras, Banate, Zarraga, San Miguel, Carles, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, Estancia, and Leon
* Negros Occidental (12) – Himamaylan, Cauayan, Hinobaan, Sipalay, Binalbagan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Ilog, Kabankalan, Valladolid, and Murcia
* Antique (12) – Hamtic, Patnongon, Valderrama, Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, San Jose, Sibalom, San Remegio, Barbaza, Culasi, Laua-an, and Bugasong
* Capiz (one) – Dumarao
* Aklan (six) – Malinao, Lezo, Banga, New Washington, Altavas, and Madalag/PN
