Public advised to take actions vs erratic weather condition

CEBU, Philippines - With yesterday’s sudden downpour, Cebu City’ Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Cebu may actually experience intermittent rainfall because of the accumulated heat on the sea surface brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

“Intermittent rain is part of the component of the strong El Niño. Due to heat on the sea surface, it can build up moisture that will turn into clouds. So, because of the presence of El Niño, there is a possibility that we may experience sudden rainfall but won’t last long,” explains Councilor David Tumulak, who chairs CCDRRMC.

The City Council recently declared the city under the state of preparedness for department heads to formulate preventive plans against the dry spell, which is expected to worsen by the end of the year.

With the erratic weather condition, CDRRMC warned the public to take precautionary measures.

People are likewise advised to conserve water and store rainwater while there is heavy rain.

According to Tumulak, temperature is expected to increase in the next few days, as he advised the public to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration or any illnesses that can be triggered by the warm weather.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration expected 2015 to be “the hottest year.”

Department heads at City Hall and their support units have been directed to draft plans to counter the impacts of the dry spell. The plans include their corresponding budgetary requirements.

Previous weather forecasts showed that Cebu will experience dry condition next month and by October, temperature will intensify that would lead to dry spell.

“The onset of dry spell was predicted this coming October but based on our recent monitoring of El Niño, dry spell will be at an earlier time this September,” said Tumulak.

Weather specialists have warned that by the end of the year, the El Niño phenomenon will reach its highest level called drought, which is predicted to last until the first quarter of 2016.

“The public should prepare also especially on looking out for their body condition,” Tumulak said.

Parents and guardians were asked to monitor their students in school and make sure that children consume enough amount of water.  (FREEMAN)