Water shortages, rising heat and fire risks are among the concerns Mandaue City is preparing for as the city government finalizes an action plan for possible El Niño impacts.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the plan consolidates recommendations from city departments and barangays to ensure that response measures can be implemented once conditions associated with the phenomenon worsen.
Water security is a major component of the plan, with the city preparing measures to conserve available supplies and reduce water losses.
The City Engineer’s Office will regularly inspect water lines and coordinate with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) on the inspection and repair of leaks.
The city is also preparing to procure water tanks and water filtration equipment and provide mobile filtration systems to its 27 barangays.
Barangays may implement water rationing if shortages occur.
The City Engineer’s Office will also establish a water detention tank to store and conserve water during dry conditions. City personnel will likewise be reminded to avoid unnecessary water consumption.
At the community level, disaster risk reduction and management committees will conduct information campaigns on El Niño preparedness and water conservation.
Barangays will monitor heat index readings and communal water sources and establish cooling areas in barangay halls and covered courts.
They are also expected to activate their emergency operations centers, inspect emergency equipment and supplies, preposition drinking water and other essential resources, and ensure sufficient water and sanitation facilities in evacuation centers.
Fire prevention is another component of the city’s preparations, particularly as dry conditions can increase fire risks.
Barangays will monitor areas considered vulnerable to fire, prohibit open burning and inspect fire extinguishers and available water supplies.
They will also be tasked to ensure the safe storage of flammable materials and conduct regular patrols in their respective areas.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will regularly disseminate El Niño-related information from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), including daily maximum heat index updates.
The office will continue information and education campaigns, coordinate with barangay disaster risk reduction focal persons, inspect emergency equipment and response resources, and conduct capacity-building activities for personnel.
The City Agriculturist Office, meanwhile, has prepared measures to protect crop, livestock and poultry production from possible dry conditions and extreme heat.
For crops, the office will promote rainwater harvesting, adjustments in planting schedules, the use of drought-tolerant and short-duration crops, and practices that improve soil moisture retention.
The office will also distribute drought-resistant seeds and other agricultural inputs.
For livestock and poultry, measures include ensuring adequate drinking water, providing sufficient shade and ventilation, adjusting feeding schedules and using electrolyte and vitamin supplements.
The agriculture office will also strengthen vaccination and biosecurity programs and monitor animals for heat-related illnesses.
Affected farms will undergo weekly assessments, with the office documenting interventions and monitoring the situation.
If conditions require additional assistance, contingency measures include emergency water delivery, crop damage assessment, facilitation of crop insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., livelihood assistance and food support.
The City Health Office will also activate its El Niño response team and implement Code White or Code Blue readiness depending on the situation.
It will monitor health cases, assess the readiness of health facilities, deploy medical teams when necessary and coordinate with hospitals and other response agencies.
The action plan was approved during the second-quarter meeting of the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
It will serve as the guide for city departments and the 27 barangays as they prepare and respond to possible impacts of El Niño, particularly those involving water availability, heat-related health concerns, agricultural production and fire prevention.
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN
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