DENR deploys early warning systems to monitor El Niño impact

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday said it has deployed early warning systems in several regions to monitor the potential effects of a strong El Niño and help authorities respond before severe environmental damage occurs.

In a statement, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the systems use automated weather stations (AWS), satellite-based heat stress monitoring and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based risk modeling to track environmental conditions and identify areas at risk.

"By deploying satellite-based heat stress tracking for coral reefs in Aurora, processing Automated Weather Station data to map fire hazards in the Agusan Marsh, and running Red Flag alert systems in Region 1, the DENR is replacing reactive measures with precision early warning," he said.

In the Ilocos Region, the DENR has established a Red Flag Alert system to detect potential wildland fires and enable authorities to respond early.

In Central Luzon, authorities are monitoring sea surface temperatures and issuing coral bleaching alerts in Aurora province to track threats to marine ecosystems.

In the Caraga Region, data from automated weather stations are being used to monitor localized heat indices, rainfall deficits and changes in water levels in the Agusan Marsh.

Similar monitoring systems are being used in the Bicol Region to identify drying creeks, dry forests and shallow reefs in Catanduanes and Masbate.

"We are equipping our field teams and local chief executives with real-time environmental intelligence to safeguard our forests, coral reefs, water resources, and coastal communities before severe damage occurs," Cuna said.

State weather bureau PAGASA earlier warned that the upcoming El Niño could persist until March or even June, potentially bringing below-normal rainfall to several parts of the country.

Around 40 provinces are expected to experience reduced rainfall, with some areas potentially facing dry spells or drought. The number of affected provinces could double by January, according to PAGASA.

Aside from reduced rainfall, the potentially strong El Niño could bring higher temperatures, with PAGASA warning that air temperatures could reach 38.7 degrees Celsius by March 2027.

The heat index, which factors in humidity, could climb to between 45 and 52 degrees Celsius.— MCG, GMA News

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