Water levels in Angat Dam dipped below the critical mark after registering 159.95 masl on Tuesday morning, June 30, 2026. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — A total of 106 areas have declared a state of calamity due to El Niño, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.
A state of calamity means local officials can tap emergency funds for the evacuees and impose a price freeze on basic commodities.
Cagayan Valley accounted for over half of the areas under state of calamity with 66, followed by Caraga with 23.
Bicol logged five areas under a state of calamity, Calabarzon tallied 4, and Soccsksargen had one.
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The NDRRMC said El Niño so far caused some P5.5 billion in agricultural production loss.
The weather phenomenon has affected some 388,000 people, caused 39 forest fires in Caraga, and prompted water supply interruption in at least four areas.
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The government has distributed some P39 million in assistance, the NDRRMC said.
El Nino is a natural phenomenon recurring every two to seven years owing to the warming of sea surfaces -- bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns.
Global forecasters predict this year's event will peak at an intensity never observed in the modern era, compounding the effects of manmade climate change which drives extreme weather patterns.
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— With a report from Agence France-Presse
For more weather updates, visit the ABS-CBN Calamity Hub.