ILOILO City – Nearly a week after torrential rains and widespread flooding battered the city, more than 4,469 families — or 17,668 residents — remain in evacuation centers as of July 24, according to the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
The prolonged displacement is the result of preemptive evacuations enforced ahead of the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) intensified by tropical cyclones “Dante” and “Emong”.
Floodwaters engulfed 92 barangays across the city, and while conditions have improved in some areas, 37 barangays remain underwater, the EOC reported in its July 24’s 5 p.m. update.
“Thirty-seven barangays remained flooded, and 55 barangays have already subsided,” the report stated.
At least three homes were destroyed and 15 others sustained damage due to the severe weather.
To support evacuees, the City Social Welfare and Development Office has distributed 4,926 family food packs, while community kitchens have been set up to serve hot meals.
Meanwhile, free veterinary consultations were also offered at the regional evacuation center in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo district, extending the city’s assistance to displaced pet owners./PN
