ILOILO City – Tropical Depression “Verbena” caused flooding on Tuesday in 32 barangays and displaced 39 residents as rains swept through Western Visayas, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
All evacuees — belonging to 18 families from Barangay Calubihan in Jaro district — took temporary shelter at the barangay chapel and the Lions Club evacuation center after water levels rose rapidly in their community.
Flooding was monitored in seven districts, with depths ranging from five inches to more than 20 inches. Areas hardest hit included barangays Calubihan (20–26 inches), Calahunan (15–18 inches), as well as Mohon, Malipayon, Dungon A, Divinagracia, Don Esteban, Sta. Rosa, Calumpang, and West Timawa.
Darwin Papa, CDRRMO Operations Division chief, said the city was placed under Blue Alert Status, triggering full-scale monitoring and rapid response operations.
“As of 2 p.m. (November 25), our teams were conducting continuous 24/7 monitoring of flooding, conducting rekorida in all districts, and coordinating closely with barangay DRRM councils,” Papa said. “We are tracking rainfall levels, water rise, and possible risks in low-lying and coastal communities.”
Papa said pre-disaster risk assessments prior to Verbena’s arrival allowed the city to deploy search and rescue units, emergency medical responders, camp managers, and clearing teams without delay.
“We activated evacuation centers early and prepared our community kitchens and rapid response teams. Our priority is ensuring the safety of families in flood-prone areas,” he added.
The CDRRMO also recorded seven fallen or uprooted trees in various barangays, two of which had already been cleared by responders and village personnel.
Although the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s 11 a.m. bulletin reported that “Verbena” exited Panay Island at midday and moved over the Sulu Sea, Iloilo City remained under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
Papa reminded residents to remain alert despite the storm’s departure.
“Even if Verbena has moved away from Panay, we remind everyone not to be complacent. Floodwaters in some barangays recede slowly, and we continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said.
The CDRRMO continues to advise the public to heed official warnings, avoid swollen waterways, and report emergencies through established hotlines. Monitoring, clearing, and coordination efforts will remain ongoing until weather conditions normalize./PN
