Butuan City declares calamity status as water shortage deepens

BUTUAN CITY — Local officials have declared a state of calamity to address escalating water shortages gripping the Agusan del Sur capital, marking an intensification of service disruptions caused by prolonged dry weather conditions.

The declaration was approved during the city's Sangguniang Panlungsod special session held Saturday, Sept. 5, as authorities moved to mobilize emergency resources and coordinate disaster relief efforts. The water crisis has severely impacted daily operations across residential and commercial areas, with approximately one-third of the city's population experiencing service interruptions.

The calamity declaration enables the local government to access emergency funds, expedite procurement processes, and implement temporary measures to address the water supply gap. City officials have prioritized identifying alternative water sources and distributing supplies to affected communities.

The extreme dry spell continues to strain existing water infrastructure, with reservoirs operating below normal levels. Authorities have urged residents to conserve water while management teams work to restore normal service operations across the city.