Iloilo City is experiencing a “severe shortage” of water due to El Niño, a weather phenomenon characterized by below-normal rainfall.
The water shortage has so far affected more than 23 thousand individuals from 25 barangays in the city, data from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) showed.
Most of the barangays severely affected by the shortage are in the districts of City Proper, Arevalo and Mandurriao.
To address the problem, CDRRMC approved on Wednesday, April 17, a resolution recommending to place the entire city under a state of calamity.
“This will enable us to expedite aid and resources to address this pressing issue and ensure the welfare of our residents,” City Mayor Jerry Treñas, CDRRMC chairman, said in a statement.
According to engineer Neil Ravena, head of the city government’s General Services Office, the number of the affected individuals exceeded the 15 percent requirement before a city can declare a state of calamity.
“There are wells that dried up, and, worse, there are seawater intrusions and seepage. We monitor closely the seepage in Rizal Pala-Pala to avoid contamination and health problems,” he said.
CDRRMO’s recommendation will be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for appropriate action.IMT
Photo by Arnold Almacen/CMO
