Extreme heat dries up streams, affects bangus industry in Aurora, Pangasinan

Scorching temperatures brought by the dry season have started to dry up some streams in northern Luzon, affecting the local fish industry in some provinces.

According to a report on Balitanghali by Marisol Abdurahman on Wednesday, a stream in Casiguran, Aurora had dried up, resulting in the death of fish.

In Lingayen, Pangasinan, meanwhile, bangus growers have been forced to harvest bangus fingerlings earlier than usual.

"Maagang hinarvest kasi sa init at saka umulan-ulan na," Mandie Samson said, noting that he was able to get only 200,000 bangus fingerlings.

According to the Municipal Agricultural Office, "forced harvest" is necessary for fish growers to gain profit.

"Silted na 'yung kanilang fishponds, marami nang dried up. Nag-report na kami sa ano... sa province saka sa region na kailangan sana merong dredging ng tributaries," said Char Fernandez, agricultural technologist in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Pagasa warned the public that extreme heat would continue to be experienced in the next days.

"Mas tumataas ang heat index lalo na pag May kasi siyempre papunta na tayo sa Southwest Monsoon even though easterlies pa rin 'yung most na nakakaapekto sa atin ngayon pero 'yung relative humidity natin tuwing May ay lalong tumataas," said climatologist John Manalo.

Manalo also noted the high pressure area in Luzon, which contributes to the hot weather. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM, GMA News