El Nino and Drought

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center reported last Thursday that strong El Nino conditions exist in the Pacific and that these conditions are expected to persist through at least early spring 2010.(1)

According to the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) at Columbia University, El Nino cycles are linked to drought in the Philippines: “Droughts are not generally associated with the Philippines… but during El Nino cycles, much of the country experiences moderate-to-severe dry periods that can last for a season or more. For areas already water strapped, such periods can spell disaster for hundreds of thousands of households as well as individuals whose livelihoods depend on regular precipitation."(2) During an El Nino year, IRI notes, “the water inflows into the Angat reservoir are often significantly decreased [see picture], placing substantial duress on the domestic water supply and irrigation needs of farmers"--leading to tensions between urban dwellers and those who work outside the city limits.(2)


The Angat Reservoir, 2004

Over the weekend, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that, “The water level at Angat Dam over a week ago was already at 201 meters, down from the normal level of 210 meters. When the level reaches 150-155 meters, hardly any water can be delivered by May. At the rate Metro Manila consumes water daily—4 million cubic meters—by April-May, it may have a huge water crisis.”(3) Reynaldo G. Geronimo, the reporter for the Inquirer, continues by questioning the government’s response to this pressing but reoccurring issue.(3)