(Photo by PNA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Northern Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has recommended placing the province under a state of calamity as worsening El Niño conditions threaten agriculture, fisheries, livestock, water supply and public health.
The recommendation followed a pre-disaster risk assessment convened by Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan on Thursday, October 8, to evaluate the province’s preparedness and the initial impact of prolonged dry conditions.
According to the Provincial Agriculture Office, agricultural damage and losses have reached approximately Php 50 million, primarily affecting rice production, with at least 1,872 farmers and fisherfolk already affected.
Authorities warned that losses could increase as El Niño conditions are projected to intensify from December 2026 through May 2027.
Provincial agriculturist and veterinary officer Jose Luis Acompañado identified water scarcity as a major threat to crop production and livestock, particularly carabaos that depend on access to water to regulate their body temperature.
“Livestock, such as carabaos, are affected because they love water. When they don’t have a place to swim, they are more sensitive to heat,” Acompañado said during the assessment at the Provincial Capitol’s Anahaw Hall.
He also warned that prolonged high temperatures could increase parasite infestations and other health risks among farm animals.
To address the situation, agricultural officials identified the need for additional water sources for irrigation and livestock, along with rice seeds, corn seeds for replanting and short-duration vegetable varieties.
Other proposed interventions include water conservation measures, assessments of irrigation systems, validation of reported agricultural losses, crop management advisories and intensified monitoring of pests and diseases.
The provincial government will also assess the impact of prolonged dry conditions on the fisheries sector, particularly the availability of water resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Meanwhile, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) reported declining water levels in several service areas due to below-average rainfall.
In Catarman, authorities are pursuing a long-term plan to augment the local water supply by tapping the National Irrigation Administration’s Macagtas Dam.
LWUA also recommended water rationing in communities experiencing shortages of potable water.
Health officials reported rising cases of diarrhea, dengue and heat-related illnesses, while the agriculture sector recorded livestock deaths and heat stress among poultry and other farm animals.
The Provincial Health Office assured that it maintains a buffer stock of medicines for illnesses commonly associated with prolonged dry weather.
However, residents, particularly senior citizens and individuals with existing medical conditions, were advised to limit exposure to extreme heat and take necessary health precautions.
Ongchuan called for stricter water and energy conservation measures and stronger coordination among government agencies to minimize the impact of the anticipated drought.
Following the assessment, the governor approved the PDRRMC’s recommendation to endorse a state of calamity declaration to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for consideration.
The motion was introduced by Board Member Lope Dorado and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rei Josiah Echano.
If approved by the Provincial Board, the declaration would allow the provincial government to accelerate disaster response, relief operations and recovery programs for communities affected by El Niño.
