DSWD DROMIC Report #46 on the Effects of El Niño as of 01 May 2024, 6AM – Philippines

I. Situation Overview

From July 2023 to March 2024, El Niño conditions were observed in the tropical Pacific Ocean. By April 2024, El Niño across the tropical Pacific Ocean continues to weaken and is expected to persist until March-April-May (MAM) 2024 season. Majority of climate models suggest a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions during the April-MayJune (AMJ) 2024 season. Further, there is a likelihood for La Niña to develop (62% chance) during the June-July-August (JJA) 2024 season. As such, the PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System remains at El Niño Advisory / La Niña Watch.

The effects of El Niño were felt in the Philippines, with conditions leading to agricultural damage and water shortages reported in various regions as stated below:

• In Region I, the Municipality of Solsona in Ilocos Norte declared State of Calamity (SoC) on 24 April 2024, due to the significant impacts of El Niño.

• In Region II, several local government units (LGUs) in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya and Quirino experienced the effects of El Niño.

• In Region III, the Municipality of Capas, Tarlac on February 2024 reported that the livelihood of farmers, predominantly from IPs (Indigenous Peoples) families, has been severely affected by the El Niño.

• In MIMAROPA, several LGUs in Romblon and Oriental Mindoro, including the entire province of Occidental Mindoro declared a State of Calamity (SoC) due to severe drought, with declarations in: Bulalacao on 26 February 2024; Looc and Magsaysay on 06 March 2024; Mansalay and San Jose on 07 March 2024; Sablayan on 19 March 2024; and San Andres on 20 March 2024. These municipalities experienced the effects of El Niño, exacerbating challenges for farmers by diminishing water sources crucial for crop irrigation, including rice, onions, and vegetables.

• In Region V, several LGUs in Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon were affected due to continuous effects of dry spell and drought that led to damages in agricultural crops including rice, corn, and other high-value crops.

• In Region VI, five (5) provinces – Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental – were affected due to continuous effects of El Niño that has started on 23 February 2024 wherein prevalent dry conditions were reported causing damage to crops, agricultural lands, and livestock. The province of Antique declared SoC on 18 April 2024.

• In Region VII, Cebu City was placed under SoC on 27 March 2024 due to the adverse effects of El Niño. On 08 April 2024, the LGU of Madridejos reported agricultural damages also due to the effects of El Niño.

• In Region VIII, a wildfire incident occurred in several barangays in the municipality of Salcedo, Eastern Samar on 17 March 2024. Additionally, the municipalities of Tagapul-an and Sto Niño, Western Samar were also affected due to effects of apparent dry conditions.

• In Region IX, provinces started to experience dry condition since 18 December 2023 due to the effects of El Niño; hence, Zamboanga City was placed under SoC on 06 March 2024.

• In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the effects of severe drought have become more prevalent particularly in the Provinces of Abra, Apayo, Ifugao and Mountain Province that led to damages in agricultural crops and animal population. In response, the Municipality of Mayoyao, Ifugao declared SoC on 11 March 2024.

• In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), several LGUs of Maguindanao del Norte and the entire province of Maguindanao del Sur declared SoC, with declarations in: Rajah Buayan on 20 February 2024; General Salipada K. Pendatun on 03 April 2024; Paglat on 04 April 2024; Upi on 08 April 2024; Datu Blah T. Sinsuat on 10 April 2024; and Kabuntalan on 22 April 2024 due to severe dry condition and prolonged dry spell. Moreover, the municipality of Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan experienced water shortage and insufficient crop supply due to the effects of El Niño that eventually resulted in food scarcity.

• In Region XII, several LGUs in North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sarangani including the entire province of Sultan Kudarat declared SoC due to severe dry condition and prolonged dry spell, with declarations in: President Quirino on 27 March 2024; Alamada on 01 April 2024; Lutayan on 03 April 2024; Alabel, on April 03, 2024; Aleosan on 08 April 2024; M’lang on 11 April 2024; Arakan on 15 April 2024; Surallah on April 15, 2024; and T’boli on 22 April 2024. Additionally, numerous municipalities experienced the effects of El Niño, exacerbating challenges for farmers by diminishing water sources crucial for crop irrigation, including rice, corn, and other high-value crops. Several forest and grass fires were also reported in some areas.

Source: DOST-PAGASA and DSWD Field Offices (FOs)

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 695,149 families or 2,972,407 persons are affected in 3,905 barangays in Regions I, II, III, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, CAR, and BARMM (see Annex A).