LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The municipality of Solsona declared a state of calamity on April 22 due to the El Niño phenomenon.

Upon the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Sangguniang Bayan members passed Resolution No. 2024-264, officially placing the entire town under a state of calamity.

Nearly P7 million worth of losses in crops and livestock were recorded which prompted the municipal government to hold an emergency meeting to address the situation.

Mayor Joseph De Lara said there are 15 out of 22 barangays in the town have been affected by the severe impacts of an extended dry spell and dwindling water supplies.

This has resulted in the loss of livelihoods for around 186 farmers, as well as drastically impacting the corn and rice farms.

“The supply of fresh water was also affected,” said De Lara.

Declaring a state of calamity enables the barangays to access the quick response fund to alleviate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in their communities.

At present, the municipal government has initiated water rationing to the affected barangays, through the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

As of April 25, the heat index has peaked at 44 degree Celsius, which is classified under the Danger zone of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)