Manila, Oct. 13 -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Northern Samar has endorsed the declaration of a state of calamity in the province as authorities brace for the worsening effects of El Nino on agriculture, fisheries, livestock, water supply, and public health.

The endorsement came after the PDRRMC convened by Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan for a pre-disaster risk assessment on Thursday to assess the province's preparedness and the initial impact of the dry spell.

The Provincial Agriculture Office reported about PHP50 million in initial damage and losses to agricultural production, particularly rice, with 1,872 farmers and fisherfolk already affected.

The number is expected to rise as E...