MANILA — In an alarming update, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has revealed that at least 65 provinces in the Philippines are expected to face severe drought conditions from February to May next year due to an impending “strong” El Niño.

According to Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Wednesday (13 Dec 2023), approximately 7 percent of the country’s total provinces may experience a dry spell during this period.

Solidum cautioned that the maximum temperatures, particularly in Northern Luzon, could soar to 41 degrees Celsius, with the heat index potentially elevating it by an additional 5 to 15 degrees.

Metro Manila might witness temperatures reaching 38.3 degrees, lowland Luzon at 39.9 degrees, and Mindanao at 39.5 degrees in April.

The DoST emphasized the need for proactive measures and heightened preparedness, urging a collective effort across various sectors such as health, water, agriculture, sanitation, and peace and order.

Solidum stressed, “We need to further intensify our efforts to make sure that we are ready for this, and we also need to involve everyone in this effort.”

Pagasa Officer in Charge Nathaniel Servando previously warned of drought affecting Batangas, Cavite, and Oriental Mindoro starting in December this year.

The dry conditions are defined as three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall, while a dry spell is characterized by two consecutive months of below-normal rainfall.

Solidum raised concerns that the upcoming El Niño episode could be comparable to the severe conditions experienced in 1997 and 1998.

To address this, the government has prepared a national action plan (NAP) focusing on water, food, energy security, and public safety. This plan will be executed through collaborative efforts involving various government agencies and local communities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a directive to coordinate plans across sectors, emphasizing a categorization of actions into short and medium-term strategies.

Solidum emphasized the urgency of a comprehensive information campaign to educate citizens and the government on mitigating the effects of the impending El Niño. “We need to plan, and we should make it fast,” he concluded.

(JR AMIGO/ ai/mnm)