The Department of the Interior and Local Government enjoined local government units to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of La Niña following forecasts there is a 70 to 80 percent chance of La Niña forming in the last quarter of 2021.
According to the Pagasa, La Niña may emerge in October and may persist until the first quarter of 2022. Rainfall forecasts also suggest a higher probability of above-normal rainfall conditions in many areas of the country in the next several months.
DILG Sec. Eduardo M. Año directed all LGUs to ensure that all preparedness measures are undertaken in anticipation of the looming La Niña amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We always have to be preemptive instead of reactive in disaster response, which is why as early as now we encourage LGUs to convene their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), conduct La Niña pre-disaster risk assessment (PDRA), and update their local contingency plans or La Niña action plans for hydrometeorological hazards,” he said.
“LGUs are also encouraged to engage the participation of local health officers to ensure that critical Covid-19 prevention protocols are already integrated,” he added.
He urged all LGUs to assess the structural integrity and capacity of vital facilities, especially those being used as evacuation centers, vaccination centers, and multi-purpose buildings, Ligtas-Covid centers, health centers, and hospitals for Covid-19 cases.
He reminded LGUs to ensure unhampered logistics flow and supply chain management.
On top of these preparations, LGUs are urged to conduct a monthly assessment and ensure top shape functionality, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Offices, of all established Early-Warning Systems (EWS).
The DILG further enjoins LGUs to closely coordinate with other relevant agencies, such as Pagasa, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and Department of Health. – Press release
