By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental should prepare their evacuation centers for the onset of La Niña in the country, said Dr. Zeaphard Caelian, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has announced the onset of the La Niña phenomenon in the country that would bring more rains in the coming months.

La Niña is characterized by below-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator – a result of shifting wind patterns in the atmosphere.

Although it is expected to be weak to moderate, every La Niña is different and may still bring adverse effects, the weather bureau warned.

Caelian said about eight typhoons are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility before the year ends.

Last week, several families were evacuated in the municipality of Cauayan and Sipalay City after rivers overflowed because of heavy rains.

Local governments should have dedicated evacuation centers that are separate from isolation centers for coronavirus patients, Caelian said.

Physical distancing and other minimum health protocols should still be strictly observed, he added./DGB, WDJ