El Niño forecasts threaten water security in Davao and Sri Lanka

The Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology‑PAGASA warned that El Niño is likely to develop in the coming months, bringing prolonged dry conditions. Davao City and the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte recorded below‑normal rainfall from April to June 2026, prompting calls to diversify water sources. The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, a public‑private partnership, now supplies up to 300 million litres of treated surface water daily, supporting more than one million residents and bolstering resilience against drought.

In Sri Lanka, meteorologists note that El Niño is currently weak but forecast a 63 % chance of a very strong event by November 2026–January 2027. A strong El Niño could sharply reduce monsoon rainfall, jeopardising paddy cultivation, hydropower generation, drinking‑water reservoirs and fisheries. Authorities stress early warning and water‑conservation measures to mitigate potential drought impacts.

Both regions are preparing for the anticipated climate anomaly by strengthening water‑resource management and urging communities to stay informed.