BACOLOD City – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) released new data showing Negros Occidental as the only province in the Visayas placed under drought category.
Drought is defined as three consecutive months of way below-normal rainfall conditions (less than a 60 percent reduction from average rainfall).
The state weather bureau on Thursday, February 29, also identified these areas in the Visayas under a dry spell category: Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Biliran, Cebu, parts of Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Negros Oriental.
Pagasa defines dry spell as three-consecutive months of below-normal rainfall conditions (21 to 60 percent reduction from average rainfall).
The ongoing drought condition in Negros Occidental has so far damaged P55.41 million worth of crops.
Despite the damages, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposal to place the province under a state of calamity should be carefully studied, adding that it is still too early to make a decision as it will depend on how long the effects of the drought will last.
However, Lacson emphasized that El Niño should not be underestimated, as it could cause significant damage to crops and farmers. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
