Dingras town in Ilocos Norte has declared a state of calamity due to the worsening impact of the El Niño phenomenon. 

Several barangays have been experiencing water shortages for almost three weeks, with taps and wells running dry.

Barangay Sulquiano, for instance, has been relying on water from irrigation for distribution to households.

According to the Dingras Municipal Council, 30 percent of the calamity fund will be allocated for the rehabilitation of areas affected.

Meanwhile, in Solsona, which was the first to declare a state of calamity in Ilocos Norte, authorities are considering cloud seeding to address the drought.

Cloud seeding is an artificial method to induce rainfall from clouds.

"Base sa report ng PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), possible daw 'yung cloud seeding dahil may possible clouds for seeding," Vice Mayor Jonathan De Lara of Solsona, said.

"Ang problema is 'yung hangin. 'Yung hangin kasi is towards East, papuntang Apayao, so if mag-cloud seeding kami ngayon, ang tendency is hindi rin dito sa Solsona babagsak 'yung ulan, so 'yun ang binabantayan namin,” De Lara added.

The Department of Agriculture reported that the agricultural sector has incurred damages amounting to P4.39 billion due to the drought and dry spell in many parts of the country.

The Task Force El Niño is now focusing on strategies to assist the 85,000 affected farmers and fishermen.