Drought in Northern Mindanao to last until September — PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Region 10 or Northern Mindanao will experience drought from May until September this year, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

The areas affected include Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, said Anianita R. Fortich, PAGASA-Mindanao Regional Services Division officer-in charge.

Camiguin island, meanwhile, will experience drought until June.

So far, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office reported that at least 59, 459 farmers are affected by the drought and that at least 28,893 hectares of corn have been damaged.

There are at least 6,946 hectares of rice or a production loss of 24,491 metric tons, while the damage to livestock has reached 1,182.

Audy G. Maagad, DA supervising agriculturist, said the agency has implemented to extend assistance to farmers including pump equipment, hybrid and certified seeds, and fertilizers and medicine for the livestock of the farmers, and cloud seeding to increase the water level in the irrigation dams. — BAP, GMA News