BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A recent report indicated that the dry spell affecting Negros Occidental has resulted in significant crop damage amounting to P16.2 million (approximately $290,000 USD). The report, submitted by acting Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, detailed that P15.9 million of the losses were attributed to rice crops, while high-value crops accounted for P323,220. The damage was widespread, impacting 26 barangays across Silay and Bago cities, as well as the towns of San Enrique, Pulupandan, and Hinoba-an. Moisture stress, primarily caused by extreme heat and insufficient water, has been identified as the main factor behind these losses. In response, local authorities are considering cloud seeding to induce rainfall and are establishing a Task Force El Niño to prepare for the anticipated impacts of a strong El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring below-normal rainfall in August. Despite the challenges, rainfall is forecasted to remain near normal in the coming months.