ILOILO City – Disaster response agencies in Western Visayas have shifted to heightened preparedness mode as Tropical Cyclone Francisco threatens to intensify the southwest monsoon and bring heavy rains across parts of the region this week, prompting authorities to place the entire region under blue alert status and preposition nearly 182,000 food packs for possible emergency response.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) activated the blue alert status on Monday, June 22, amid forecasts that Tropical Cyclone Francisco could trigger moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly over the western and southwestern portions of Panay Island and Guimaras on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The alert status places the council’s response clusters, including those led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), on heightened standby for any potential emergencies arising from the storm and the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat).
The move came after the RDRRMC convened a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Scenario Building meeting on Sunday, June 21, to assess potential risks and coordinate preparedness measures ahead of the cyclone’s expected impact.
RDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 director Raul Fernandez led the meeting, which focused on localized preparedness and response strategies for both Tropical Cyclone Francisco and the anticipated strengthening of the southwest monsoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that Francisco could enhance Habagat and bring significant rainfall to parts of Western Visayas.
PAGASA also cautioned coastal communities and fishermen about the possibility of gale warnings being raised as weather conditions deteriorate, which could result in the suspension of sea travel.
During the preparedness meeting, government agencies outlined measures already in place to ensure rapid response should severe weather conditions affect the region.
The DSWD-6 reported that it has prepositioned vital relief resources, including 181,983 family food packs, 33,361 ready-to-eat meals, 18,437 non-food items, and a standby fund amounting to P3 million for immediate deployment.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reported that, based on the cyclone’s current projected track, no areas in the region are facing immediate critical threats from rain-induced landslides or flooding. However, the agency said it continues to closely monitor all hazard-prone areas in Western Visayas.
Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said it is continuously monitoring river irrigation systems across the region and has undertaken clearing and desilting operations to help waterways accommodate increased rainfall.
Fernandez directed all member agencies of the RDRRMC-6 to intensify preparedness efforts, stressing the importance of timely public advisories and close coordination among government agencies.
Local disaster risk reduction and management councils were also instructed to closely monitor major river systems, landslide-prone areas, and coastal communities, while keeping their Emergency Operations Centers on heightened alert as the region braces for the possible effects of Tropical Cyclone Francisco./PN
