ILOILO — In a swift humanitarian response to widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released over P1.7 million in financial assistance and delivered thousands of food packs to flood-affected families across Western Visayas.
According to the July 14 update from the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Communication (DROMIC), at least 11,125 families or 49,466 individuals in 60 barangays in the southern part of the region were impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding.
In Iloilo province, DSWD distributed 607 family food packs (FFPs) worth more than P377,000 in San Dionisio, and 666 FFPs worth over P414,000 in Iloilo City.
In Maayon, Capiz, 51 FFPs were distributed, totaling more than P28,000.
Additional aid came through inter-regional collaboration, with DSWD Negros Island Region (NIR) sending 1,000 FFPs to Talisay City, amounting to over P616,000, while Bacolod City beneficiaries received 479 FFPs valued at more than P292,000.
DSWD Region 6 assured that coordination with local government units is ongoing to assess the evolving situation and determine further support needed by communities still reeling from the effects of the calamity.
“The agency is committed to addressing the needs of those affected and providing additional resources as necessary during this challenging time,” DSWD-6 stated.
Tropical Depression “Crising” is intensifying the southwest monsoon, triggering heavy rains and flood risks across the region.
While “Crising” is not on track to directly hit Western Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that the southwest monsoon is bringing widespread rainfall.
PAGASA forecasted that “Crising” could intensify into a severe tropical storm by today, July 18, continuing to bring torrential rain not only to Western Visayas but also to Luzon, Central Visayas, and parts of Mindanao.
Areas placed under heavy rainfall advisories include Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and several provinces across the country.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and heed local advisories as more rain and possible flooding are expected in the coming days./PN
