Makati Mayor Abby Binay (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Makati has formed a task force to prepare for El Niño.
“Makati is taking proactive action to mitigate the risks and impacts of extreme weather conditions on our citizens. As early as now, we will implement contingency measures to ensure the continuity of basic services and guarantee enough food and essential supplies for Makatizens,” Mayor Abby Binay said in a statement on Tuesday.
The preparation comes as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration released an estimation that the probability of an El Niño occurrence has increased from 55% to 80% in June, July, August, and September.
El Niño, which is caused by the seasonal warming of the Pacific Ocean, upsets normal weather patterns and brings heavy rainfall in some countries and dry spells and drought in others.
The El Niño task force comprises key departments in the city government as well as power and water utility providers who will analyze and assess the city’s readiness to respond to the effects of El Niño.
According to the statement, Binay asked power and water concessionaires serving Makati to develop contingency measures to ensure the adequacy of the power and water supply.
In response, Meralco has assured the city of uninterrupted power supply in key government offices, hospitals, and the financial district.
However, the power company said it would implement rotational brownouts in residential areas and had already coordinated with establishments with backup power generators.
Meanwhile, Maynilad and Manila Water assured the local government of continued water supply by tapping deep-well reserves to augment supply in case of shortage.
The water concessionaires also vowed to activate additional water treatment facilities, explore alternative water sources, and add more water tankers to deliver water to various barangays during scheduled service interruptions, according to the city government.
“This is an example of climate situations we should be prepared for,” Binay said.