The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is expected to convene today to determine if a “State of Calamity” should be declared due to ongoing El Niño conditions, which AccuWeather describes as a climate pattern that raises sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and results in drought conditions due to reduced rainfall.

According to CDRRMO head Donna Magno, an assessment of current conditions by the city’s DRRM council will determine if such a declaration will be made.

The CDRRMC earlier passed a resolution urging barangays to organize a task force to monitor water efficiency, protection, and conservation in their respective jurisdictions. In addition, an ad hoc committee was created to spearhead the assessment of El Niño’s impact on the city and identify immediate and long-term solutions.

Magno noted, of the 33 barangays assessed, 23 reported around 20 percent of their populations were currently affected by drought. Data also showed, as of April 18, more than 75,000 of the city’s population have been affected by water scarcity.

Last week, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued an executive order creating the El Niño Task Force, which is intended to help the city in preparation for effects from the ongoing “dry spell.”

Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) cluster head, Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas, explained, aside from his agency, other parties involved in the task force include the Bacolod City Water District, or Baciwa; Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc., or Ceneco; and the Bacolod City Agriculture Office./WDJ/Philippines News Agency