Residents line up for water at the Dinagat Islands. Photo courtesy of Governor Nilo Demerey Jr.
MANILA — The province of Dinagat Islands has recorded more than 53 cases of heat-related illnesses linked to the extreme heat brought by the El Niño phenomenon, with one person reportedly losing their life due to suspected heat stroke.
This, according to Governor Nilo Demerey Jr.
In an interview on the program "Yan Tayo" on DZMM Teleradyo, Demerey said the province has recorded 12 cases of heat exhaustion, 21 cases of dehydration, and 20 cases of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.
The worsening heat has affected around 85,000 residents out of the province’s estimated 130,000 population, triggering a water crisis that prompted authorities to declare a state of calamity throughout Dinagat Islands.
READ: Dinagat Islands under state of calamity amid worsening water crisis
The town of San Jose, the provincial capital, is reportedly among the areas hardest hit by the water crisis. At least five water-refilling stations have been forced to close due to the lack of available water sources.
According to Demerey, rivers and deep wells that serve as water sources for the local water district continue to dry up, prompting the provincial government to sustain its water-rationing efforts.
The provincial government is also preparing for a worst-case scenario if the El Niño conditions persist, as the province has already gone without rainfall for more than a month .
"Mayroon tayong mga desalination machines at mga reverse osmosis machines na kayang mag-convert ng tubig-dagat para maging inuming tubig, pero medyo magastos ito," Demerey said.
The prolonged dry spell has also resulted in a rise in forest fires, with more than 31 incidents recorded across the province as authorities continue to battle the remaining blazes.
Demerey said he has asked the Department of Agriculture to consider artificial rain or cloud seeding operations to help address the forest fires and bring much-needed rainfall to the province.
The highest heat index recorded in the Dinagat Islands reportedly reached 51 degrees Celsius.
The shortage of water has also resulted in the cancellation of tourist bookings at hotels and resorts in the province.
Demerey urged tourists planning to visit Dinagat Islands to first check with their accommodations regarding their available water supply.
READ: El Nino to be 'very strong', last until February, UN warns
"Sa mga nakapag-book na pumunta sa Dinagat Islands, tanungin muna ninyo ang inyong mga accommodation kung mayroon silang suplay ng tubig, dahil hindi lahat ng accommodation ay may 24-oras na water supply. Pero tinutulungan din natin sila at pinadadalhan natin ng tubig bilang bahagi ng ating water-rationing efforts," Demerey said.
The governor also said the provincial government is looking into measures to address the water shortage ahead of major events scheduled in the province.
"Pagsapit ng Oktubre, may mga isang libong taong darating. Sinabihan namin sila na huwag muna ituloy ang kanilang biyahe sa ngayon, o tinitingnan namin kung ano ang maaari nating gawin dahil may mga malalaking convention tayong darating," he added.
The provincial government is preparing to purchase jerry cans and other water containers for distribution to around 26,000 affected families.
Part of the funds for the purchase will come from the Quick Response Fund, while additional water containers will be sourced through donations from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Meanwhile, damage to agriculture caused by El Niño has reached around P15 million across seven municipalities, according to Demerey.
The governor said the amount is expected to increase because the figure does not yet include the damage to farms affected by the forest fires.