Civil Service Exam Reviewer · Reading Comprehension · medium
El Niño and La Niña
El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a natural climate pattern in the tropical Pacific Ocean. During El Niño, surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific become warmer than usual. This shift changes wind and rainfall patterns around the world. In the Philippines, El Niño typically brings below-normal rainfall, leading to drought, lower dam levels and damaged crops. La Niña, by contrast, is marked by cooler-than-usual waters in the same region. It often brings above-normal rainfall to the Philippines, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. Neither phase is permanent; each usually lasts several months to a year or more, and there are also neutral periods in between. Because both phases affect agriculture, water supply and public health, government agencies monitor ocean temperatures closely. Early warnings allow farmers to adjust planting schedules, water utilities to manage reserves and local governments to prepare for disasters.
Which effect is associated with La Niña in the passage?
- Lower dam levels
- Damaged crops due to drought
- Increased risk of floods and landslides
- Warmer Pacific waters
Answer
C. Increased risk of floods and landslides
Solution
La Niña brings above-normal rainfall, increasing flood and landslide risk.
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