ILOILO City – Prepare for the potential effects of an intensifying El Niño, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) urged local government units (LGUs), government agencies and the public in Western Visayas.
From January to April 2024, the region will experience below normal to significantly below normal rainfall, with a return to normal conditions expected by the end of May and June 2024, said Engr. Ferdinand Rubin, weather specialist of PAGASA-Iloilo.
PAGASA’s rainfall forecast from January to June 2024 is as follows:
* In January, the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental are anticipated to receive below normal rainfall.
* In February, these provinces, except Capiz, are expected to experience way below normal rainfall, with Capiz having below normal rainfall.
* March will see similar conditions as in January for the same provinces.
* In April, Aklan and Capiz are predicted to have below normal rainfall, while Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental might face way below normal rainfall.
* For May, Aklan, Capiz, and Negros Occidental might experience below normal rainfall, while Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo could have near normal rainfall.
* By June, all provinces are expected to experience near normal rainfall.
This six-month weather forecast was bared during the fourth regular council meeting on Tuesday afternoon of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by retired Police Colonel Cornelio Salinas and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.
Rubin said drought conditions are possible across the entire Western Visayas by the end of April 2024.
He
He added that only two to five cyclones are expected to enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from January to June 2024.
Rubin emphasizes the need for LGUs, government agencies and other stakeholders to prepare for the potential effects of El Niño on people’s lives and livelihoods.
“There will be cascading effects or impacts on different sectors in the region, including the province of Iloilo,” said Rubin.
Rubin provides an example of how the lower than normal rainfall expected next year could lead to increased use of household electricity for air-conditioning and electric fans, among other devices, to alleviate the discomfort of the hotter weather.
This could result in a higher demand for power or energy, necessitating preparedness, he said.
Additionally, Rubin highlighted the need to prepare for water sources and the cultivation of vegetables and crops, especially given the predicted below normal to way below normal rainfall.
“Our council must prepare measures to combat these possible effects,” he told the council./PN
