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[av_heading heading=’Pagasa: Western Visayas experiencing weak La Niña ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]
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ILOILO City – Western Visayas is experiencing La Niña albeit weak. Local government units (LGUs) are being urged to make the necessary preparations.
La Niña is associated with a short dry season, early onset of the rainy season, strong monsoon activity, more tropical cyclones, and below normal sea level pressure, said Director Oscar Tabada of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas.
He made a presentation on the climate outlook for 2018 during the fourth quarter meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Wednesday afternoon.
La Niña has “been looming in the past four weeks,” said Tabada.
Iloilo City, which is prone to flooding, must take the necessary precautions, he stressed.
Among others, there is a need to identify and closely monitor areas vulnerable to flooding, said Tabada.
He also said now is the time to “maximize rainwater harvesting.”
Post-harvest facilities for drying and storage of agricultural products must be prepared, too, said Tabada.
Farmers have to be provided with advisories regarding the occurrence of the phenomenon, he added.
La Niña may cause flooding in low-lying land, damage to crops and increase pests and diseases.
Aside from its impact on agriculture, Tabada warned of possible health risks, such as prevalence of water-borne diseases and damage to infrastructures.
There is also the possibility of landslides and coastal erosion due to strong waves and storm surges, he added.
He stressed the need to conduct massive information and education campaign and for this phenomenon to be incorporated in lessons being taught in schools. (PNA)
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