Stronger El Niño in 2024 poses a threat to 65 provinces in the Philippines

According to Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., some of the effects of the El Nino are already being felt in some parts of the country.

“The effects of El Nino are already felt and have been experienced in some areas in the country, and this is characterized by the reduction of rainfall up to 80%, which led to dry conditions or dry spells,” Solidum said.

The DOST chief also said that by May 2024, 77% of provinces in the country may experience drought, and seven per cent may experience dry spells.

“By the end of May, there would be 77% of the provinces of the country will have the potential for drought, that would be 65 provinces and seven per cent potential for dry spells or around six provinces,” he added.

Droughts can last for months or even years, and they often result in a deficiency of water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, while dry spells are shorter in duration compared to droughts. They can last from a few weeks to a few months.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its advisory, that an El Niño phenomenon is present in the tropical Pacific region, and is projected to strengthen in the following months.

“A strong El Niño is present in the tropical Pacific and further intensified, nearing its peak in the coming months, as sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) have reached more than 1.5⁰C,” it said on December 6.

Adrian Parungao

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Asia News Network