La Niña-like conditions are likely to be experienced until March, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Ana Liza Solis, Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief, said the La Niña episode is already close to the borderline, citing the possible impacts of La Niña, or La Niña-like conditions as issued in the advisory.
“Right now, there will be a 72 percent (chance of La Niña-like in December, January, February, March,” she said.
There is a possibility that the La Niña threshold could be reached in the next few months, she said, adding it does not necessarily mean that a full-blown La Niña could occur that may last for six months or more.
In response to continuous reports regarding the Shear Line, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and other similar weather phenomena, the Office of Civil Defense meanwhile issued a memorandum for enhanced disaster preparedness and anticipatory actions.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the memo was issued to all OCD regional directors.
As of January 3, 2025, OCD Disaster Report No. 01 indicates significant impacts from the ITCZ and Shear Line. There have been 5 reported deaths, with 20 individuals injured or ill, and 2 persons missing in Regions IV-B, VIII, and XI. Additionally, 1,092 houses have been reported damaged in Regions VIII and XI, including 394 houses that are totally destroyed and 698 that are partially damaged. The damage to infrastructure in Region XI alone is estimated at PhP 215,700,000.
Power supply interruptions have been reported in one municipality in Region XI, and transportation infrastructure is also severely affected, with 39 roads and 6 bridges deemed impassable across Regions II, IV-A, IV-B, V, VIII, and XI.
A total of 436,164 families, affecting approximately 139,255 persons, are impacted in Regions II, IV-A, IV-B, V, VIII, and XI. Currently, 2,366 families, or 549 persons, are staying in 29 evacuation centers, while 1,661 families, comprising 2,247 persons, are outside of these centers.
Regional offices are instructed to refresh their personnel on the National Disaster Response Plan and local contingency protocols, with an emphasis on worst-case scenario planning.
A thorough assessment of Food and Non-Food Items (FNFI) and emergency response equipment must also be conducted to address any potential shortages proactively.
The OCD also urged all local government units and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in their disaster readiness efforts. Rex Espiritu
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “PAGASA warns against complacency as wet season to prevail ‘til March”
