ANTIQUE – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has prepositioned manpower and resources in selected towns in Antique as Tropical Storm (TS) “Basyang” moves closer to Panay Island.
The PDRRMC conducted a briefing on Friday morning, February 6, to prepare for the possible effects of the storm, which are expected to last until Saturday.
According to the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO), heavy rainfall is likely on Friday afternoon, particularly in the towns of Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Libertad, Culasi, and Tibiao.
The OPDRRMO has deployed a response team to Anini-y, which is expected to bear the brunt of the storm. PDRRMO officer Broderick Train advised the local government unit to carry out preemptive evacuations, especially in coastal communities and in Jurao-Juaro Island.
Another response team has been placed on standby in Culasi to facilitate the possible deployment of manpower and equipment to northern Antique towns, if needed.
Concerned agencies are also closely monitoring identified blackspot areas—locations with recurring hazards such as flooding, landslides, mudslides, rockfalls, and storm surges.
Among the areas under close watch are sections of major highways, including Barangay Igbarawan in Patnongon, where mudslides frequently disrupt road access during periods of heavy rainfall.
The OPDRRMO reminded residents to remain vigilant, stressing that TS “Basyang” has yet to make landfall in Panay. Local government units were advised to implement preemptive evacuations when necessary, while residents were urged to refrain from unnecessary travel, secure their belongings, avoid crossing bodies of water, and stay updated through official weather bulletins and advisories./PN
