ILOILO – Heavy flooding caused by the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat) and Tropical Cyclone “Crising” has displaced nearly 24,000 people and forced thousands of students in Western Visayas out of classrooms, prompting a wide-scale government response across three provinces.
According to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), as of 5 p.m. on July 17, a total of 6,496 families or 23,913 individuals from 52 barangays in the provinces of Iloilo, Antique, and Capiz were affected by torrential rains and rising waters.
“Stay alert and safe. Please monitor further advisories from your Local Government Unit (LGU) or Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office,” the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO)-Iloilo urged, calling on residents to follow emergency protocols and remain informed amid ongoing threats of flooding and weather disruptions.
The municipality of Ajuy, parts of Iloilo City, and San Dionisio were among the hardest hit, with Iloilo accounting for 5,479 affected families or 19,835 individuals.
Antique recorded 767 families or 2,900 individuals across six barangays, while Capiz reported 250 families or 1,178 individuals from seven barangays.
The affected families received food packs and hygiene kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), totaling P1,247,922.96 in aid for 5,699 families.
At least 38 families or 117 individuals are being housed in four evacuation centers, while 106 families or 521 individuals were assisted outside evacuation facilities.
The storm also caused infrastructural disruptions. Four road sections and one bridge were rendered impassable or partially passable – two roads in Antique were completely inaccessible, with one road and one bridge allowing only limited passage. A road in Iloilo was also reported previously as impassable. Additionally, one town in Antique experienced power interruption, and one damaged house was reported.
Due to the worsening weather conditions, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas suspended classes in 1,322 schools, affecting 418,445 learners. Students shifted to online or Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) learning options in line with DepEd Order No. 27, series of 2022, and DepEd Order No. 009, series of 2024.
As of the latest report, Tropical Depression Crising was located 520 km east-northeast of Juban, Sorsogon, or 470 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. It was moving north-northwest at 25 km/h, carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h.
The weather in Antique remains unstable, with overcast skies and continuous light to moderate rains, occasionally heavy.
Disaster officials continue to monitor the situation and will issue regular advisories as needed./PN
