Eastern Samar bracing for El Niño, searching for new water sources

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is stepping up preparations for the possible impacts of a developing El Niño phenomenon, with water security, agriculture, public health, and fire prevention among its major concerns.

While the province is still assessing the extent of the potential impact, officials are already putting measures in place as weather forecasts indicate drier conditions in the coming months.

One of the local governments taking early action is the municipality of Llorente, where officials are scouting for potential watershed areas that could serve as additional sources of potable water for the community.

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The initiative, led by Mayor Christine Cardona, involves the Office of the Municipal Engineer, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), and the Sangguniang Bayan.

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The search for additional water sources is intended not only to address possible water shortages during El Niño but also to lay the groundwork for longer-term projects to protect and sustain the municipality’s water resources, the local government said.

The initiative comes as the provincial government and other local governments in Eastern Samar bolster their preparedness for the expected effects of prolonged below-normal rainfall.

During the 3rd Quarter Meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Sept. 30, Pagasa  weather station Borongan chief Ricardo Galupe reported that Eastern Samar had been experiencing dry spell conditions from June to September, with drought conditions projected from October through March.

He also said El Niño is expected to persist toward the end of 2026, with the possibility of this getting severe.

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The outlook has prompted the provincial disaster council to push for early and coordinated measures as below-normal rainfall could affect water availability, agriculture, livelihoods, public health, and other essential services.

“We prepare not because we want it to happen, but to prepare for it when it happens,” Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan said during the meeting, which she led while representing Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone.

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Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Thomas Campomanes said the provincial government, through the PDRRMO, is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach in preparing for the impact of El Niño.

Campomanes said the PDRRMO is gathering data from various government agencies and provincial offices to identify vulnerable areas and sectors and determine the preparedness measures that need to be undertaken.

He said the information would help the provincial government assess possible effects on key sectors and ensure that interventions are based on the actual needs and resources of affected communities.

Galupe’s presentation indicated that warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier conditions could increase the risks of heat-related illnesses, water shortages, and agricultural losses.

Under Pagasa’s classification, an area may be considered to be experiencing drought when rainfall remains below normal for three consecutive months.

For Eastern Samar, which is generally classified as a very wet province, rainfall may still occur during a drought period, but at levels lower than what is normally expected.

Despite this clarification, local officials are being urged to prepare for the possible consequences of prolonged dry conditions, particularly on water supplies.

The PDRRMC stressed that early preparation, data-driven planning, and sustained coordination among the provincial government, LGUs, national agencies, and communities will be critical in reducing the potential impact of El Niño on Eastern Samar.

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Aside from water security, agriculture is another major concern as farmers could face reduced water availability and possible crop losses.

Agriculture stakeholders are being encouraged to adjust planting calendars, choose crops suited to anticipated weather conditions, prepare farm infrastructure, and consider crop insurance to reduce potential losses from prolonged dry periods.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Eastern Samar has also raised concerns over the increased possibility of wildland, grass, and forest fires as vegetation becomes drier.

The BFP is coordinating with local government units and barangays on fire prevention measures, including campaigns against indiscriminate burning, “kaingin”, and other forms of open burning.

It is also promoting vegetation management to reduce combustible materials that could fuel fires during the dry months.

It reported that it has been providing water rationing and community support in areas affected by temporary water shortages while also proposing measures to improve fire protection coverage and response time.

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The provincial government and LGUs are likewise expected to strengthen public information campaigns as communities prepare for possible heat-related health concerns, water interruptions, agricultural impacts, and other consequences of prolonged dry conditions. /gsg