The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Friday, Oct. 6, responded to hundreds of families in the municipality of Virac in Catanduanes struggling with water shortage caused by El Niño, leaving residents with no access to clean water for drinking and sanitation.
"The crisis has forced residents to travel long distances or spend hours in queues to collect clean water from nearby barangays," the PRC said.
Initially, 2,307 individuals in three barangays suffered from water shortages since September. However, within a week, the number of affected barangays had surged to thirteen.
In response, the PRC said it immediately deployed two water tankers, distributing 12,000 liters of water, six pillow bladders, tap stands with water points, and one set of water treatment units to the municipality.
"The water tankers we deploy come with water bladders and tap stands to enable us to supply water to more communities in need," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sept. 27 that "Moderate" El Niño currently prevails in the tropical Pacific. Still, it may become "strong" by the end of 2023.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/27/strong-el-nino-likely-by-end-2023-pagasa
"There is more than 73 percent possibility for the El Niño to become strong in October to December," it added.
Meanwhile, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6, the PRC distributed approximately 200,000 liters of water to around 12,200 affected persons in Barangay Hawan Grande, Tigbao, Pajo San Isidro, Casoocan, Marilima, Balite, Calampong, Talisoy, Sto. Domingo, Palta Big, Palnab del Sur, Sto. Niño, and Sto. Cristo.