By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – As extreme temperatures continue to affect large portions of the country, Butuan City residents are preparing for an intense weekend, with the state weather bureau the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasting a heat index that could reach 45°CbySaturday, April 25.
According to a social media advisory of Butuan City Public Information Office (PIO), this places Butuan within the “extreme caution” zone, part of a nationwide heatwave linked to the onset of El Niño. Across the country, heat indices are expected to range from 42°C to 51°C, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The PIO emphasized the health risks associated with these temperatures, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, andheat stroke, which can occur with prolonged exposure to the sun. Local authorities have urged residents to take extra precautions, particularly from 10 AM to 4 PM, when the heat is most intense. The PIOalso recommended staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.
As the city battles extreme heat, the Butuan City Water District (BCWD)is confronting a growing crisis: a severe water shortage. The Taguibo Watershed, Butuan’s primary water source, has experienced a dramatic decline in water levels due to the prolonged dry spell worsened by El Niño.
According to BCWD, 19 of the 86 barangays in Butuan City have already faced water shortages, with some areas experiencing low water pressure or no water supply at all.
“Currently, the water supply in Butuan is at a critical level of 34.30 million liters per day (MLD), far below the normal levels needed to meet the city’s demand,” the BCWDstated. The shortage has been especially challenging for high-elevation barangays, where water struggles to reach homes.
In response to the crisis, the BCWD has activated all three of its pump stations and is working to repair aging infrastructure. Additionally, the district has launched Oplan Sag-ob, a targeted operation designed to boost water supply to the most affected barangays. The operation, which runs from 6 AM to 10 PM daily at Pump Station No. 1 in Barangay Baan Km. 3, aims to improve water distribution during the dry season.
With both heat and water shortages intensifying, the PIO and BCWD have urged residents to practice water conservation. The PIO reminded the public, “It is essential for everyone to help reduce water consumption during this time. We must cooperate to ensure that the available water is shared equitably among residents.”
In response to the ongoing situation, Butuan residents have voiced their frustrations on social media. Anne Inso shared her concern in a comment to the PIO advisory, stating, “It’s tough for the college students. They’re not just dealing with heat stroke, but now this water issue! We need to do something!”Green Lady added, “It’s so hot out here, and we can’t even get water. The workers at the water district are clearly exhausted, too. Something needs to be done.”
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