By Francis Allan L. Angelo
VARIOUS sectors are now preparing for a possible occurrence of the La Niña phenomenon in the aftermath of the dry spell brought about by the El Niño.
The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in Western Visayas and other concerned agencies said they are putting in place their preparations and responses to possible floods and landslides caused by heavy rains.
La Niña’s effect is the opposite of El Niño (which causes long dry season) as it brings more rains and storms resulting in floods and landslides.
Rosario Cabrera, RDCC vice chair and Office of Civil Defense director, said they have begun training various rescue groups in Western Visayas.
The local disaster coordinating councils in all local government units were also required to strengthen their disaster preparedness and response programs and communication systems.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) had reported that 411 out of the 2,536 barangays it assessed are highly prone to landslide; 342 are moderately susceptible and 493 low potentials for landslides.
Barangays with high potentials refer to those with presence of active faults or experienced recent landslides and presence of numerous and large tension cracks that would directly affect the community. There are also areas that are prone to landslide damming and have steep slopes.
MGB regional director Leo Van Juguan said most of these barangays which are prone to landslide are located in mountainous areas.
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier reported a 35-percent probability of La Niña occurring in the third quarter of 2010, although the likelihood might grow in the coming weeks.
The Provincial Agriculture Office had also warned of the possible effects of La Niña on the farming sector.
Pests and diseases on crops and livestock are the common problems that beset farmers during rainy season, said Iloilo provincial agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo.
Toledo said farm animals are usually hit by respiratory diseases because of sudden changes in the weather.
Toledo said farmers could soon feel the effects of La Niña, characterized by extreme wet climate.
"Since the El Niño cycle has changed pattern from every 10 years to every five years, the same is expected of La Niña. The farming industry could be caught unawares if it believes that El Niño is the only damage brought by climate change," he said.
The Department of Health (DoH) had also warned of respiratory and gastro-intestinal diseases that are common during rainy days.
The DoH cautioned the public, particularly parents of students who will return to school next month, to be careful against flu, pneumonia, leptospirosis, dengue, dysentery, among others.
Panay Electric Co. (PECO), the sole power distributor in Iloilo City, said it has started clearing its distribution lines of wayward tree branches and other obstruction which might disturb power supply in the city.
PECO also deployed more troubleshooters who will respond and repair blackouts in the metropolis. (With reports from Bombo Radyo)
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