City grapples with widespread flooding across 60 barangays

BY JB CERBAS

ILOILO City – Widespread flooding impacted at least 60 barangays here, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) yesterday morning.

Heavy rains pummeled the city since Wednesday afternoon, July 17.

CDRRMO’s Emergency Operations Center reported that flooding began around 6:45 a.m., affecting various districts across the city.

Detailed breakdowns showed 15 barangays in the City Proper, eight in Jaro, 11 in Mandurriao, five each in La Paz and Lapuz, and 17 in Molo were adversely affected by the inundation.

By noon yesterday, the waters had mostly receded, yet local authorities continued to urge caution for motorists as roads remained slippery.

A 2020 Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) presented by Darwin Joemil Papa of the CDRRMO highlighted that over 240,000 city residents are at an increased risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall and frequent typhoons.

In response to the flooding yesterday, the city government and the CDRRMO intensified efforts under initiatives such as “Oplan Balik Tubig sa Syudad” which aims to ensure the provision of safe water across the affected barangays.

Additionally, the KABALAKA Tour is being conducted to educate both children and adults on disaster resilience.

As clean-up and water subsidence efforts continue, the CDRRMO advises residents to remain vigilant and monitor updates closely. For emergencies, the CDRRMO can be reached at 0919-066-2333./PN