Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Sep 22: The US state of California has declared a state of emergency to prepare for what forecasters say could become a potentially historic El Nino event, with the weather phenomenon expected to bring risks of severe winter storms, coastal flooding and other hazards.
The proclamation will mobilise state resources and speed up preparations ahead of the potential impacts, according to a statement issued by the Governor’s Office on Monday (local time).
“The emerging El Nino event is already breaking records, and forecasters expect it to continue to strengthen, potentially becoming the strongest in recorded history,” the statement said.
The emergency proclamation directs state agencies to take steps to protect vulnerable communities, prepare roads and critical infrastructure, stockpile emergency supplies and assist local authorities in reducing the risks of flooding, landslides and coastal hazards, Xinhua news agency reported.
El Nino is a natural climate pattern characterised by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific. According to the Governor’s Office, it can disrupt normal weather patterns and bring wetter and more intense winters to California.
The state administration has urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts and prepare evacuation plans in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has warned that an extreme El Nino event could cause economic losses equivalent to at least 2 per cent of the region’s GDP and push an additional 4.8 million people into poverty.
In a report titled ‘The Effects of El Nino in Latin America and the Caribbean and Recommendations for Addressing It’, the Santiago-based agency said on Monday (local time) that a high-intensity El Nino could have extensive economic, social and productive consequences, particularly for energy, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure.
ECLAC Executive Secretary Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs warned of “severe economic and social repercussions” and significant impacts on key productive sectors if the El Nino event reaches high intensity.
The agency said the largest economic losses were likely to be recorded during the first year of the event, although its effects could continue for several years.
It also warned that falling household incomes could contribute to an increase in poverty levels towards the end of the decade.