AKLAN — Several towns in Aklan were hit by flooding following continuous heavy rains on Monday, October 27, prompting authorities to issue warnings and heighten monitoring efforts across the province.
According to the Aklan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the municipalities of Buruanga, Malay, Nabas, and Ibajay experienced flooding due to prolonged rainfall brought by a Low Pressure Area (LPA).
In a local radio interview, Gregori Gregorio, PDRRMO-Aklan deputy for operations, said floodwaters had already started to subside by late afternoon, but the office remained on alert pending reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) regarding any affected or evacuated families.
At 2 p.m., the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued a Red Rainfall Warning over Aklan, signaling possible serious flooding and landslides. The PDRRMO advised residents to stay vigilant and immediately move to safer areas if needed.
In Buruanga, one of the towns most affected by the flooding, local authorities remain on high alert as rains continue. Winda Albao, MDRRM assistant of Buruanga, said that while floodwaters have receded and residents have returned to their homes, their Emergency Operations Center remains on full alert due to the possibility of renewed heavy downpours.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. If conditions worsen, we will immediately implement forced evacuation to ensure the safety of residents, especially if water levels rise suddenly like what happened earlier this morning,” Albao said.
She added that the Buruanga Municipal Government has sufficient resources and supplies ready to respond to the needs of affected residents should flooding reoccur.
Local authorities continue to remind the public to remain cautious as weather conditions remain unstable, and to coordinate with barangay officials or MDRRM teams for updates and assistance./PN
