The Commission on Climate Change (CCC) on Monday warned the public to prepare for increasing heat waves in the coming months that could cause drought and water shortages despite rains and localized thunderstorms.
In a statement, CCC Commissioner Albert dela Cruz Sr. said dry spells would come despite heavy rains drenching parts of the country.
Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), dela Cruz said the state weather bureau has declared the occurrence of El Niño in the Tropical Pacific after the Oceanic Niño Index recorded 0.5°C in April, May, and June.
Apayao, Cagayan and Kalinga are already experiencing drought based on the 60 percent reduction in the expected rainfall in these areas. Dry conditions were also experienced in Isabela and Tarlac.
Dela Cruz also cautioned the public over prolonged rainfall and eventual flash floods that could disrupt daily routines and affect the prices of prime commodities.
“Last week, heavy rain triggered floods and caused traffic congestion in several parts of Metro Manila, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Intense heat caused by El Niño can also result in increased rainfall,” he said. “There will be rain in Metro Manila and other areas due to the phenomenon’s weakened state even as rainfall patterns likewise depend on our geographical location.”
During an El Niño episode, warmer ocean temperatures lead to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns that enhance the development of low-pressure systems and the formation of atmospheric moisture, resulting in more precipitation, dela Cruz said.
In Bataan meanwhile, Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the need for the government to undertake an effective flood control program that would shield communities from the damaging impact of climate change.
“Due to the adverse impact of climate change on our communities, the government needs to provide adequate flood control structures that would provide vulnerable areas with ample protection from the devastating impact of floods,” said Gatchalian during the ceremonial turnover here of rice to the province of Bataan on Sunday morning.
Aside from Bataan, the senator also visited Pangasinan, Bulacan, and Pampanga to check the devastation of the recent typhoons and distributed P8.5 million worth of rice to typhoon victims in affected areas in Luzon.
Several towns and municipalities across Pangasinan, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan have been declared under a state of calamity in the wake of typhoons Egay and Falcon.
The senator said P5.2 million worth of rice was distributed in Malolos, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Balagtas, Paombong, Obando, San Miguel, Guiguinto, Pandi, and Plaridel in Bulacan.
Gatchalian’s call on climate change coincides with the President’s pronouncement that the national government has a master plan to swiftly address climate change, including the construction of a big water dam for flood prevention and agricultural enhancement.