The government is gearing up for the La Niña weather phenomenon and planning long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of flooding in the Philippines.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) directed field offices to prepare all mitigation measures for the potential impact of heavy rains while the Department of Energy is preparing contingency measuress to shield the power industry and avoid electricity outages.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the government was doing everything it can to prepare for La Niña, which is expected to be affect the country shortly.
La Niña may start at a later time this year, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration climatologist Ana Solis.
“There is a 50 percent possibility of La Niña developing in September-October-November 2024 but there is high uncertainty in climate forecast around this time of the year,” says Solis. She added a weak La Niña will most likely prevail by the last quarter of the year through the first quarter of 2025
The DENR directed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and field offices to prepare for La Niña.
The department advised the MGB to equip concerned local government units (LGUs) with updated geohazard maps and conduct information, education and communication (IEC) activities in anticipation of La Niña.
The DENR has long set strict safety rules and regulations on large-scale mining operations. DENR Administrative Order No. 2000-98, or the Mine Safety and Health Standard, specifically provides for the mine safety and health standards in mining operations.
It advised for the creation of a multi-partite monitoring team composed of representatives from the MGB, concerned local government units, the operating mining company, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and other concerned agencies and entities, tasked to regularly conduct inspection to check on environment and safety measures in the mines site.
Mining projects are also mandated to employ at least one full time safety engineer and safety inspector to oversee the implementation of safety measures in the mines site.
PAGASA said La Niña increases the likelihood of having above-normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country. Its adverse impacts such as floods and landslides are likely to occur over vulnerable areas and communities.
PAGASA recently advised government agencies and the public to stay vigilant and undertake necessary precautions to address the potential impacts of La Niña.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, meanwhile, the resumption of the reserve market would help provide additional supply.
“We will see the reserve market already online, operating because the reserve market will allow the diesel and bunker fuel power plants to run and get the compensation that they need in order to run. So that will help us get to any of possible interruptions due to La Niña,” the energy chief said.
Lotilla said the DOE was preparing “for the worst” under La Nina, with the least power interruptions.
“We are already preparing. We have prepared measures,” he said.