STATE weather forecasters said that the number of provinces that had been deemed to be affected by the El Niño phenomenon decreased to 41 from 50.

According to the Task Force El Niño briefing, PAGASA highlighted various updated that can affect the agriculture department.

“PAGASA also noted the reduction in the number of provinces affected by El Niño. From a total of 50 affected areas based on January 21, 2024 assessment to now 41 affected provinces,” the task force said.

However, despite the reduction, the task force noted that the preparations are still needed as there is a strong and mature El Niño that might persist through May.

Among those that could experience drought is Apayao, Benguet, Cagayan, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, and Pangasinan.

According to PAGASA, drought is classified as having three consecutive months of way below normal rainfall conditions.

This carries over 60% reduction from the average rainfall. 

PAGASA also said that there could be five consecutive months of below normal rainfall conditions with 21% to 60% reduction from the average rainfall.

Meanwhile in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, the water level in the fisheries dropped from human-deep to knee-deep due to the El Niño effects.

This prompted residents to harvest their tilapia early. 

On the other hand, in Piddig town, corn farmers have been affected by the  declining water level in their storage.