ILOILO City – Habagat or southwest monsoon rains whipped by Super Typhoon Nando’s exit winds swamped six barangays here yesterday, forcing evacuations and prompting authorities to activate round-the-clock disaster operations as the city again grappled with its flooding woes.
Floodwaters of six to 12 inches deep inundated the villags of Camalig and Balantang in Jaro district, barangays Oñate de Leon, Calahunan, and Hibao-an Sur in Mandurriao district, and Barangay Mohon in Arevalo district, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
“We are closely monitoring the water levels through our flood sensors, rainfall gauges, and early warning systems,” said CDRRMO head Donna Magno.
Barangay disaster teams are also on the ground validating reports and ensuring that advisories reach residents immediately.
“Real-time information saves lives,” said Magno.
Data showed six families, or 20 people, were directly affected by the floods. Of them, five families — 16 individuals — were brought to evacuation centers in barangays Jalandoni-Wilson, Ingore, and North Baluarte in nearby Arevalo’s adjacent district of Molo.
“We coordinated with the barangay councils to open halls and daycare centers as temporary shelters to keep residents safe from rising waters,” Magno said.
With the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on full 24/7 activation, response teams are now prepositioned in case conditions worsen.
“Preparedness is key. While the rains are not as intense as during a full typhoon landfall, the saturation of soil and clogged drainage can still cause localized flooding. We are making sure our teams are ready for rapid response,” Magno stressed.
She reminded residents not to relax even as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that Super Typhoon Nando had left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“The enhanced southwest monsoon continues to bring rains to Panay Island. We urge residents, especially those near waterways and coastal areas, to remain vigilant and not be complacent,” Magno warned.
Nationally, PAGASA cautioned that while Nando has weakened, the habagat it fuels continues to bring heavy rains over Luzon and the Visayas, with flash floods and landslides possible in vulnerable areas.
Magno said the recurring problem points to deeper infrastructure gaps.
“Every heavy downpour exposes our vulnerabilities — from outdated drainage systems to unregulated development. That is why we are pushing hard for the comprehensive drainage master plan and coordinated flood control measures. We cannot just wait for the next storm; we need to be ready all the time.”
The CDRRMO assured the public of regular updates as rainfall persists./PN
