El Niño Alert 2023

By Published On: March 9th, 2023
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What is El Niño?

A climate phenomenon that affects rainfall, temperature, and weather patterns in the Philippines.

El Niño is a climate sequence that develops an unusual warming of surface waters in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean and it consists of extreme climatic variabilities like heavy rains, winds, drought, and more.According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the probability of an El Niño occurrence has increased from 55% to 80% in June to September, with an alert expected to be issued next month.

The Origins of the Name El Niño

In Spanish, El Niño means “The Little Boy” or “Christ child”. The name references its usual arrival around Christmas. It was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America as unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean occurring near the beginning of the year.

Climatic Indicators in the Philippines

  • Delayed onset of the rainy season
  • Early termination of the rainy season
  • Weak monsoon activity and isolated heavy downpours
  • Far tropical cyclone track
  • Fewer tropical cyclones entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

Health Effects

  • Water-related diseases such as diarrhea and skin diseases
  • Red Tide Blooms: Paralytic shellfish poisoning
  • Heat-related disorders: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, exertional heat injury, heat stroke

What to Do

  • Conserve water and use it wisely
  • Protect water sources from contamination
  • Drink more fluids
  • Follow shellfish ban updates
  • Wear light clothing
  • Take daily baths to cool the body

What Not to Do

  • Do not engage in strenuous physical activities
  • Do not drink from doubtful water sources
  • Do not stay under the sun without protection (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Do not self-medicate
  • Limit coffee and alcoholic beverages

El Niño increases the risk of below-normal rainfall, causing dry spells and droughts in certain areas. However, above-normal rainfall may still occur in the western Philippines during the Southwest monsoon season (Habagat).PAGASA continues to monitor the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and advises the public and government agencies to take preventive precautions.

In Case of Emergency

PAGASA Central Office: Science Garden Complex, BIR Road, Brgy. Central, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1100

Trunk Line: (02) 8284-0800

Local Hotlines:

  • Weather Division Public Information: 8927-1541 / 1100 / 1101 / 8927-1335 / 8926-4258
  • Climate Monitoring & Prediction Section (CLIMPS): 8284-0800 local 4920
  • DOH Central Office, Bldg 15, San Lazaro Compound: 8651-7800 Local 2525
  • Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement Division: 8651-7800 Locals 2502; 2511
  • Quality Assurance & Monitoring Division: 8651-7800 Locals 2528; 2531
  • Complaint & Action Unit: 8651-7800 Local 2527

References

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