Quezon City urged to activate Task Force El Niño

A proposed resolution has been filed at the Quezon City Council seeking the immediate creation of a Task Force El Niño to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry spells and potential water shortages linked to the climate phenomenon.

In his proposed resolution, Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas cited a series of fire incidents across nine barangays in the city during the first half of the year that displaced 3,186 families and caused hundreds of millions of pesos in property damage.

Vargas said extreme heat can rapidly dry out building materials, allowing fires to spread at an unprecedented rate.

"Addressing El Niño requires unity. With the creation of a QC Task Force El Niño, we will be able to map out the actions needed to protect lives, secure water resources, and build long-term urban resilience," Vargas said.

Vargas also called for a joint committee inquiry to examine the possible link between extreme climate patterns and the recent increase in local fire incidents, while reviewing existing building regulations, water retention policies, and community-level safety measures.

In 2024, Mayor Joy Belmonte activated the QC Task Force El Niño to address the effects of the climate phenomenon, including its potential impact on water supply and public services.

State weather bureau PAGASA has warned that a Super El Niño could develop in the latter part of 2026.

While experts stressed that forecasts remain subject to change, PAGASA has placed the country under an El Niño Watch and urged early preparations to mitigate possible impacts on agriculture, water supply, energy, public health, and public safety. —VBL, GMA News