Member offices and agencies of the PDRRMC are briefed on the current situation in the province. (Photo: PIA Antique)
SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — Drought in this province has now become more manageable after rainstorms during the past few weeks increased water levels in dams and reservoirs, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said.
In a special meeting recently, the PDRRMC discussed the lifting of the declaration of a state of calamity over the province because of the notable rise in water levels.
In the risk level and assessment report of the PDRRMC, water levels in major river systems were monitored to have increased as well from critical/below normal to now normal.
Water resources in irrigation systems were also reported to be in normal condition, and are allocated and distributed accordingly to sustain current agricultural activities.
With more rainy days expected ahead due to the official start of the rainy season as declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the PDRRMO added that planting may now resume in rainfed and upland areas.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has begun preparations for their land-based aquaculture.
There also has been a significant drop in the number of fire incidents throughout the province per data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Antique.
The BFP bared a decrease in water rationing activities in areas hit severely by the dry season in the previous months.
Given the easing of the dry condition and gradual recovery of affected sectors, the PDRRMC now considers recommending to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) the lifting of the State of Calamity due to El Niño.
The PDRRMC only awaits the Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) data from the severely affected municipalities for the move to push through. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)
