More than 100 cities and municipalities across the Philippines have been placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or NDRRMC.
Based on the NDRRMC’s latest report released October 5, Cagayan recorded the highest number with 66 affected areas, followed by Caraga with 23, Bicol with 12, Calabarzon with four, and Soccsksargen with one.
A total of 388,375 individuals, or 104,149 families, are expected to be affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
Cagayan recorded the highest number of affected residents at 47,587, followed by Caraga with 45,507 and Bicol with 11,055.
Meanwhile, 191 individuals were reported affected in Calabarzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA said El Niño could intensify further and reach a “very strong” level between September and December.
The phenomenon may also continue to affect the country through the first half of 2027, prompting authorities to sustain monitoring and preparedness measures.
