46% of Philippines still under dry spell

MANILA, Philippines – Thirty-seven provinces – or 46 percent of the country – will continue to experience drought until the end of the month despite the weakening El Niño phenomenon, the state weather bureau said.

A total of 14 areas in Luzon, 11 in the Visayas and 12 in Mindanao are still likely to experience drought this month, according to the latest report of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In Luzon, the affected provinces include Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Masbate.

In the Visayas, drought will still be expected in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Biliran.

In Mindanao, the areas that will continue to experience drought are Zamboanga Sibugay, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Surigao del Norte, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

PAGASA defines drought as three consecutive months of “way below normal” rainfall, or less than 60 percent reduction from average rainfall.

El Niño is “an abnormal weather pattern caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean near the equator,” resulting in less rainfall and intense heat.

As of February, El Niño has caused agricultural damage amounting to P5.53 billion.