Commonwealth residents are being encouraged to prepare for a drought, which could mean increased collateral effects such as lesser water to go around and more brush fires.
According to Nadine Deleon Guerrero, the external affairs officer of the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency, the Commonwealth experiences a drought every year, but it started earlier than usual this year and they are unsure how long it will last.
That means the CNMI community should be prepared to conserve water and to keep burning to an absolute minimum to ensure safety from wildfires.
Deleon Guerrero said the drought started in January when it usually starts around March.
“Just be mindful that it won’t be raining as much and keep yourselves hydrated,” she added.
Last Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, issued a notice of anticipated dry weather for the Commonwealth.
Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the far Northern Islands will experience the severe impact of the drought.
In particular for Saipan, the drawdown of fresh water resources could be a problem in the next few weeks to months.
Vegetation will dry out and a severe wildfire season could develop, especially where debris from Typhoon Yutu remains.
Because of the anticipated dry weather, HSEM is advising the community to take all necessary precautions at this time.