ANTIQUE – Gov. Paolo Everardo S. Javier, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), has placed all provincial, municipal, and barangay DRRMCs on heightened alert as heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon (habagat) is expected to affect the province today and tomorrow, August 26 to 27.
In an advisory issued yesterday, August 25, rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters is forecast across the province, with possible floods and landslides, particularly in upland and coastal areas. The weather disturbance, compounded by a low-pressure area within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), is expected to further enhance the monsoon rains.
Residents in mountain slopes, low-lying, and flood-prone areas are urged to take precautionary measures, avoid crossing rivers with rising water levels, suspend coastal and fishing activities, and refrain from unnecessary travel, especially in landslide-prone roads such as Hamtic–Iloilo Road and Anini-y–Iloilo Road.
“All provincial, municipal, and barangay emergency operations centers must be on full alert, intensify coordination efforts, and ensure timely dissemination of weather advisories and warnings,” the governor stressed in the advisory.
The PDRRMC also directed concerned agencies to maintain operational readiness, monitor communities at risk, and implement pre-emptive evacuations if necessary, including the early evacuation of farm animals.
It likewise reminded the public to remain vigilant, continuously monitor weather updates, and prioritize safety at all times./PN
