Northern Samar Braces For Five-Month Drought As El Niño Persists

Posted on November 10, 2026 at 01:17 PM

Catarman, Northern Samar — Northern Samar is preparing for a possible five-month drought from December 2026 to April 2027 as the continuing El Niño phenomenon threatens agricultural production and water supplies across the province.

Rei Josiah Echano, chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the province is facing increasing drought risks following three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall.

Northern Samar recorded only 232.4 millimeters of rainfall in October, following similar rainfall deficits in August and September, raising concerns over the possible impact of prolonged dry conditions on farming communities.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that El Niño could intensify before the end of 2026 and persist through the first quarter of 2027, potentially bringing reduced rainfall to several parts of the country.

PAGASA classifies three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall as a dry spell, while drought occurs when rainfall remains below normal for five consecutive months or way below normal for three consecutive months.

The projected drought poses a significant threat to Northern Samar’s agricultural sector, where about 90 percent of farmlands depend on rainfall for irrigation.

Prolonged dry conditions could reduce soil moisture, disrupt planting schedules, stress crops and affect harvests, particularly in rain-fed rice fields.

Echano said preparations and mitigation measures are being pursued with concerned provincial agencies and local government units to minimize the possible effects of the prolonged dry spell.

Among the measures being pushed are water conservation, prioritization of available water resources for agricultural use, and the preparation of financial and material assistance for farmers who may be affected.

Apart from agriculture, authorities are also concerned about the possible depletion of rivers, watersheds, reservoirs and other water sources, which could affect households, businesses and public facilities.

The anticipated drought is expected to test the province’s preparedness as disaster management officials work with local governments to reduce the impact on communities and protect vulnerable livelihoods.

Authorities are urging residents, particularly farmers, to take early precautions and conserve available water as Northern Samar prepares for potentially prolonged dry conditions.

Photo Courtesy: PDRRMO Northern Samar