State weather bureau PAGASA warned local governments to prepare for potentially stronger typhoons in the coming months as the El Niño phenomenon continues to affect the country.

Officials in Dagupan City said preparations are already underway, including disaster response training and the distribution of rescue equipment to barangays vulnerable to flooding and severe weather.

PAGASA said stronger typhoons are often associated with El Niño conditions, citing past weather patterns.

“Kapag talagang may El Niño asahan na ang malalakas na bagyo, kagaya noong 2023 na may El Niño talagang mapansin natin malalakas ang bagyo,” Engr. Jose Estrada Jr., chief meteorologist of PAGASA-Dagupan City, said.

Over the past several months, Dagupan City authorities have conducted a series of meetings and emergency preparedness drills as part of disaster risk reduction efforts.

The city government has also been supplying rescue equipment to barangays to strengthen local response capabilities during emergencies.

“We will be supporting our barangays kasi hindi naman lahat malaki ang budget kaya nagbibigay tayo ng equipment sa kanila,” Ronald De Guzman, Dagupan City disaster risk reduction and management officer, said.

Some residents have also started preparing for possible flooding brought by stronger storms.

In Barangay Caranglaan, Jeffrey Reyes, a resident, said his family built a second floor in their home to avoid evacuating during floods. They also elevated their small canteen to protect it from rising floodwaters.

“Lahat naman tayo naghahanda lalo na sinabi ng PAGASA malalakas talaga ang bagyo kami dito naghahanda na rin ‘yung mga paglalagyan ng gamit na matataas,” Reyes said.

Authorities urged residents to remain alert and coordinate with local officials as the rainy season approaches.