Politics · Philippines Bureau
El Niño wreaks havoc across Philippines, agriculture losses hit P6.87 billion
The El Niño weather phenomenon, which began affecting the Philippines in June, has now spread to 14 of the country's 18 regions, inflicting substantial damage to the agricultural sector. The Department of Agriculture reported significant crop losses and economic impact from the ongoing dry spell.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The El Niño phenomenon continues to devastate the Philippines, with the Department of Agriculture confirming that 14 regions across the archipelago are now grappling with its effects since the weather pattern began in June. The agricultural sector has sustained approximately P6.87 billion in damages, reflecting the widespread impact of the prolonged dry conditions.
The DA released its initial assessment of the El Niño situation on September 26, providing the first comprehensive overview of the phenomenon's toll on the country's farming communities and food production systems. The affected regions span a significant portion of the nation, underscoring the geographic reach of the weather disturbance.
El Niño, characterized by warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the Pacific, typically brings drier conditions to Southeast Asia, disrupting rainfall patterns and straining water resources essential for agriculture. Farmers across affected areas have reported reduced yields and crop failures as irrigation supplies dwindled and soil moisture declined.
The scale of agricultural losses highlights the vulnerability of the Philippines' farming sector to climate variations and underscores the need for preparedness measures and support mechanisms for affected agricultural communities. Agricultural officials are closely monitoring the situation as the phenomenon persists across the region.