ILOILO City – Disaster response agencies in Iloilo City have stepped up preparations as weather authorities warned that the enhanced southwest monsoon could bring heavy rains and flooding to Western Visayas despite Tropical Storm “Maymay” and Typhoon “Dolphin” remaining far from the region.
The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (ICEOC) gathered members of its Response Cluster on Aug. 5 for a virtual Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) to evaluate possible weather-related hazards and coordinate contingency measures.
During the meeting, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Iloilo Weather Specialist I Engr. Rolly Cuenca said Tropical Storm Maymay (international name: Kujira) was expected to move across Northern Luzon, with a possible landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union later in the day.
As of 8 a.m., the storm was estimated at 190 kilometers west northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, carrying maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kph while moving northward at 10 kph.
Although the cyclone is not forecast to directly affect Iloilo City, Cuenca explained that it would continue to strengthen the southwest monsoon, resulting in scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Western Visayas.
He also noted that Typhoon Dolphin, situated about 1,765 kilometers east northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon with sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts reaching 190 kph, is expected to further enhance the monsoon circulation.
Weather projections presented during the assessment indicated an increased risk of flooding in low-lying communities and riverbanks, rain-induced landslides in vulnerable upland areas, and rough sea conditions across the region as both weather systems influence the prevailing monsoon.
PAGASA’s outlook for the next several days likewise pointed to continued rainy weather over Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique, accompanied by moderate to strong southwest winds of 20 to 50 kph and coastal waves ranging from 1.25 to 4 meters.
Authorities warned that prolonged rainfall could trigger localized flooding and landslides in susceptible areas.
City disaster officials appealed to residents to closely monitor weather advisories, remain alert to changing conditions, and take necessary precautions against flooding, strong winds, and other hazards associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon./PN
