The Iloilo City government has ordered the preparation of contingency plans for a potential severe drought that could disrupt water and electricity supplies, threaten food security and increase health risks as El Niño intensifies in the coming months.
The directive from Mayor Raisa Treñas followed a Crisis Management Council meeting on Oct. 8, where the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) presented three possible scenarios for the effects of a strong to very strong El Niño.
Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Treñas, that the city is preparing for possible impacts on water supply, power, public health, livelihoods, food security and peace and order.
Under the most severe scenario, covering February to March 2027 or longer, water supply could drop by 60% to 80%, while the heat index could reach 48 degrees Celsius or higher.
The second scenario, covering December 2026 to January 2027, projects a 35% to 50% reduction in water supply, potentially leading to intermittent service, rotational water rationing and more heat-related illnesses.
The first scenario, covering October to November 2026, projects a 20% to 30% decline in water supply and a heat index of 38 to 41 degrees Celsius.
Gorzal emphasized that the scenarios are planning references, not confirmed forecasts.
Treñas has directed concerned city offices and response clusters to prepare measures in advance rather than wait for the situation to worsen.
Possible water and electricity shortages could affect households, schools, hospitals and businesses, while extreme heat could pose greater risks to senior citizens, children, people with existing health conditions and outdoor workers.
Agricultural production and food availability could also suffer, potentially contributing to higher commodity prices.
Gorzal said addressing the potential effects of El Niño requires coordinated preparation across city sectors, as the threat extends beyond water supply to essential services and residents’ livelihoods.IMT
