Drought threats intensify Central Visayas preparations

Agriculture, irrigation, and fisheries officials in Central Visayas are intensifying preparations for the anticipated impacts of El Niño, mobilizing cloud seeding, water management, and livelihood aid to mitigate expected drought, declining water supplies and agricultural losses.

The coordinated response follows significant damage during the previous El Niño cycle, when Central Visayas recorded over P222 million in agricultural losses, affecting 4,246 hectares of farmland and approximately 4,000 farmers, according to Department of Agriculture Field Operations Division Chief Dr. Gerry S. Avila.

“The agency is mobilizing its Quick Response Fund and has urged local agricultural offices to expedite damage assessments,” Avila said.

Avila added that the regional office is planning two rounds of cloud-seeding operations totaling about 62 flight hours, which may begin in late October or November over Bohol.

Meanwhile, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials reported that below-normal rainfall has reduced water storage levels in regional dams, limiting available supplies for farm irrigation.

NIA Public Relations Officer Zarline S. Sambas stated that the agency is maintaining continuous coordination with local irrigators’ associations to manage rotational water distribution.