By JEN BAYLON

Local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental are urged to prepare for the possible effects of the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to bring above normal heavy rains.

Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), said they have already directed all LGUs to formulate their disaster preparedness plans to ensure that response operations will not be hampered amid the effects of La Niña.

This includes identifying potential evacuation centers and other necessary measures.

Localized thunderstorms are warning signs of the upcoming weather phenomenon, the PDMPD said.

Negros Occidental is already under La Niña Watch, encouraging residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions amid the phenomenon.

Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said La Niña is expected to commence between October and November of this year.

Pagasa forecasts that a weak La Niña may start in mid-September until November, instead of August to October, due to uncertain ocean conditions.

It is expected to last until the first quarter of 2025.

The state weather bureau said La Niña is characterized by unusually cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.

It is usually associated with above normal rainfall conditions, Pagasa said.

La Niña’s potential adverse effects include floods and landslides in low-lying areas, it added./JB, WDJ