ILOILO City – Persistent rains triggered by a shearline have affected more than 17,000 individuals across Western Visayas, with Capiz emerging as the hardest-hit province, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
As of February 10, a total of 5,452 families or 17,374 individuals from five local government units (LGUs) were reported affected by continuous rainfall brought about by the weather disturbance.
A shearline occurs when cold winds from the northeast monsoon (amihan) converge with warm easterly winds, forming a rain-bearing cloud band that can trigger prolonged and sometimes intense rainfall, even without a tropical cyclone, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Beyond flooding low-lying areas, the shearline has caused inconvenience to residents, including slippery roads, delayed travel, suspension of some classes and outdoor activities, and difficulty for farmers and small vendors whose work depends on fair weather.
The hardest hit was Sigma, Capiz, accounting for 5,183 families or 16,296 individuals — the overwhelming majority of those impacted in the region.
Here’s a breakdown of affected families:
* Kalibo, Aklan – 34 families (154 individuals)
* Cuartero, Capiz – 4 families (20 individuals)
* Dumarao, Capiz – 145 families (573 individuals)
* Sigma, Capiz – 5,183 families (16,296 individuals)
* Lambunao, Iloilo – 86 families (331 individuals)
Of the total number, only four families (20 individuals) from Cuartero, Capiz are currently staying in evacuation centers. The rest remain in their homes and have not been evacuated.
Aid Released, Funds on Standby
DSWD Region 6, in coordination with LGUs and non-government organizations, has released P142,681.58 worth of food and non-food assistance to affected families.
The agency said the assistance is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and DSWD secretary Rex Gatchalian to ensure immediate support for disaster-hit communities.
Through its Quick Response Team (QRT), DSWD distributed Family Food Packs (FFPs) to affected households.
As of reporting time, DSWD-6 has P140,608,642.98 in available relief resources, including:
* P3 million standby fund
* P137,608,642.98 worth of food and non-food items
Cloudy, Cool Weather to Persist
Meanwhile, PAGASA said cloudy and cool conditions will continue in parts of Western Visayas due to the shearline and northeast monsoon.
“Expect sa gihapon. Sa karon nagnaog ang aton northeast monsoon, diri na sia sa Southern Luzon kag nagaapekto sa some parts sang Western Visayas, ilabi na gid sa diri sa Antique kag Aklan, so expect naton nga may ara gal-om kag pag-ulan-ulan diri dala sa shearline,” said PAGASA Iloilo’s Engr. Ferj Rubin.
Rubin clarified that no low pressure area or tropical cyclone has been monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Authorities continue to monitor affected communities as intermittent rains persist across the region./PN
