Alert note: Drought Emergency Response in Negros and Iloilo

Viva Denmark has submitted an alert note due to drought in the Philippines, Negros and Iloilo.

The Philippine archipelago is currently undergoing a drought linked to the most recent El Niño event impacting the nation. A State of Calamity has been declared in 131 localities, with several others experiencing a dry spell. As of now, the following regions are severely affected: I, II, III, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, CAR, and BARMM.

From July 2023 to March 2024, El Niño triggered abnormal weather, leading to droughts due to less rainfall and higher temperatures. This impacted ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources, causing crop failures, livestock problems, and economic losses for farmers. Water scarcity affected sanitation and living conditions in both rural and urban areas. Dry conditions led to forest fires, damaging biodiversity and releasing harmful emissions.

As of May 7, 2024, water shortages and extreme temperatures are affecting over 3.5 million people across 4,678 barangays. Vulnerable groups such as farmers, indigenous communities, and marginalized populations are hardest hit. Impacts include job losses, disrupted cultural practices, malnutrition, health risks, and increased poverty. The crisis is disproportionately affecting ethnic minorities, low-income communities, and socially excluded populations.

Access to clean water for drinking and hygiene, as well as access to food, and seeds for livelihood rehabilitations are the top priority needs of the people affected by the drought. As groundwater resources become depleted, water sources for both household use and farm production have become scarce. This scarcity exacerbates poverty and leads to malnutrition and illness.