Drought-affected provinces down to 26

MANILA, Philippines — The number of provinces affected by drought has dropped to 26, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

State climatologists said four provinces in Luzon, 12 in the Visayas and 10 in Mindanao are still experiencing drought.

These are Apayao, Batanes, Cagayan and Palawan in Luzon as well as Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Southern Leyte in the Visayas.

In Mindanao, Basilan, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay are still affected by drought.

Drought conditions are characterized by below normal rainfall or 21 to 60 percent reduction from the average for five consecutive months, or way below normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months.

The number of provinces affected by drought is expected to drop to two by the end of this month. These are Apayao and Cagayan.

Meanwhile, 17 provinces in Mindanao are still experiencing dry spell while six provinces in Luzon are experiencing dry conditions.

Dry spell means below normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months.

Dry conditions are characterized by below normal rainfall for two months.

PAGASA declared the onset of the rainy season on May 29 with the passage of Typhoon Aghon and prevalence of the southwest monsoon.

The state weather bureau said there is still a high chance that La Niña would develop from July to September, which would bring adverse effects with above-average rainfall.