Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 18) — Weather officials said the onset of the rainy season may be slightly delayed because of El Niño which may persist until June.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said El Niño may intensify by the end of March and will continue until June.
PAGASA said while the people should brace for warmer days ahead, devastating storms may occur during the rainy season due to “stronger” evaporation brought by the dry spell.
This comes amid a water shortage crisis in the east zone of Metro Manila as concessionaire Manila Water Company, Inc. Strgulles with meeting a spike in demand amid depleting reservoirs, in particular La Mesa dam in Quezon City.
Flaviana Hilario, PAGASA research and development deputy administrator, said areas covered by the dam have suffered a 60 percent drop in amount of rainfall. No hope as well from a tropical depression currently in the country since it will only affect Mindanao.
“Wala tayong ine-expect na ulan due to the tropical depression during the next one and a half weeks. Bago matapos ang March ay medyo hindi po natin ine-expect talaga na magkakaroon ng increase sa height unless galing ito sa Angat Dam,” Hilario said.
[Translation: We are not expecting ay rain due to the tropical depression during the next one and a half weeks. Before the end of March we do not expect the height of the water level top increase unless it comes from the Angat dam.]
