Drought, dry spell to affect 72 provinces

Up to 72 provinces will experience below average rainfall by the end of this month, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

- ROMINA CABRERA

PAGASA said these provinces would experience dry conditions to dry spell and drought.

State climatologists said 41 provinces would be affected by drought from only 31 in March.

Capiz, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay are among those expected to be affected by drought.

Drought conditions are characterized by below-normal rainfall or a reduction of 21 to 60 percent compared to the average for five consecutive months, or below normal rainfall for three consecutive months.

PAGASA said 23 provinces would experience dry spell while eight provinces would experience dry conditions.