Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 10) — The El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to hit the Philippines by the latter part of 2023, may cause more waterborne and vector-borne illnesses, a health official said Monday.
Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag noted that Maynilad Water Services Inc. announced another wave of water service interruptions, which could affect nearly 600,000 customers beginning July 12.
READ: MWSS: Maynilad customers may see up to 9-hr daily water interruption starting July 12
“Kapag El Niño, ang tendency ay mag-igib ng tubig. Maraming water containers na naging breeding places ng mga lamok,” he added.
[Translation: During El Niño, the tendency of Filipinos is to fetch water. Many water containers become breeding places for mosquitoes.]
He cited a scenario in 1998 when El Niño hit the country.
“Mayroon tayong isang malaking outbreak sa dengue fever. Hindi lang Pilipinas, kundi pati ang karatig-bansa sa Southeast Asia,” he said.
[Translation: We had a major outbreak of dengue fever. Not only in the Philippines but also the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.]
Tayag said Filipinos may also get cholera and diarrhea due to contaminated water supply.
Last week, the state weather bureau said a “weak” El Niño began in the Pacific Ocean.
Rainfall in the country is expected to decrease beginning in October, it added.
