106 LGUs declare state of calamity as El Niño agri damage hits P5.5B

Kimberly Capuyan

Over 100 localities across the country have been placed under a state of calamity as agricultural losses reached P5.5 billion from the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

According to the disaster agency, a total of 106 local government units across five regions have invoked the emergency declaration to unlock quick response funds and enforce price controls on basic goods.

Cagayan Valley remains the hardest hit, accounting for 66 affected localities and absorbing the vast majority of agricultural destruction with P4.96 billion in losses.

The NDRRMC added that Caraga recorded 23 areas, followed by Bicol with 12, Calabarzon with four, and Soccsksargen with one.

Nationwide, the extreme heat and dry conditions have severely affected over 201,000 farmers and fisherfolk, damaging more than 223,000 hectares of farmland.

Out of the total affected crop areas, over 41,000 hectares suffered complete crop destruction with zero chance of recovery.

The prolonged dry spell has impacted 104,149 families—or approximately 388,000 individuals—across the country.

Beyond crop damage, the severe drought conditions have sparked 39 forest fires in Caraga, triggered water supply interruptions in at least four localities, and prompted class suspensions in 33 localities within the region.

To cushion the impact on displaced families, the national government has dispatched P39 million in financial and material aid.

State weather bureau Pagasa confirmed that El Niño conditions officially took hold following sustained sea surface warming in the tropical Pacific.

Forecasters warned that lesser rainfall is expected through October, with drought conditions potentially expanding to around 80 provinces by January.

Pagasa also cautioned that the phenomenon could persist until June and reach intensity levels rarely observed in modern history, aggravating extreme weather events driven by climate change.