SAN JOSE, Antique – Consumers in Sibalom, Antique were urged to conserve water amid the drought brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
“Luyang River for the first time in history has dried up,” said Engineer Jonathan De Gracia, manager of the Sibalom Water District.
The Luyang River is a major source of water in Sibalom.
According to De Gracia, the drought may last until August, citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
This means that the first cropping period of rice – which usually starts in June – may get delayed.
De Gracia said water rationing has already been carried out in barangays Pasong, Panlagangan, Catmon, and Cubay Sermon since February.
Water is also delivered by the Bureau of Fire Protection to barangays Lacaron, Esperanze II, Mojon, Rombang, and Tula-Tula, De Gracia added.
Aside from Luyang, water levels in Tipuluan and Sibalom rivers have also waned. (With PNA/PN)
