NDRRMC: State of calamity declared in 106 areas due to El Niño

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State of calamity was declared in 106 areas as dry conditions driven by the El Niño phenomenon continue to intensify across the country.

In its report on Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said these areas are in five regions:

• Cagayan Valley - 66
• Calabarzon - 4
• Bicol - 12
• Soccsksargen - 1
• Caraga - 23

At least 39 wild, forest, and mountain fire incidents were recorded in Caraga Administrative Region.

Four cities and municipalities reported water supply interruptions, while 33 localities were forced to suspend classes in the region.

Across the country, the NDRRMC reported that 104,149 families or 388,375 individuals have been affected by El Niño, particularly in Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Calabarzon, and Caraga.

Agricultural damage and production losses were estimated at P5.56 billion, according to the NDRRMC. Cagayan Valley accounted for the majority of agricultural destruction with P4.96 billion.

A total of 201,322 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected nationwide, with over 223,497 hectares of crop areas damaged.

Of the total affected farmland, 41,164 hectares suffered total crop loss with no chance of recovery.

Assistance worth P39,058,681 has been provided to affected communities so far, according to the NDRRMC.

On June 9, state weather bureau PAGASA said that indicators confirmed that El Niño conditions were present in the tropical Pacific.

In May 2026, the observed relative sea surface temperature anomaly indicated a warming trend consistent with El Niño development.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which may result in adverse impacts such as dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country.

However, over the western part of the country, above-normal rainfall conditions during the Southwest monsoon season may also occur.

On September 23, PAGASA warned of a possibly record-breaking El Niño in the coming months.

Lesser rains are to be expected come October due to the El Niño phenomenon, the state weather bureau said.

PAGASA also said that the El Niño could last until March or even June. Around 40 provinces are expected to experience lesser rainfall during the dry spell and drought. Once January comes, it is expected that this number could leap to 80. —KG, GMA News