ANTIQUE – Heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm “Bebinca” prompted preemptive evacuation of 545 families, or 1,825 individuals, in this province on Thursday, September 12.
According to the situational report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), 436 families sought temporary shelter at evacuation centers while 77 stayed outside these centers.
Data from the PDRRMO also showed that classes were cancelled in all levels in Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Pandan, Patnongon, San Remigio, and Sebaste.
The rest of the towns – Anini-y, Caluya, Culasi, Hamtic, Laua-an, Libertad, San Jose, Sibalom, Tibiao, Tobias Fornier, Valderama – suspended classes from preschool to senior high school.
The University of Antique and St. Anthony’s College suspended classes, too.
The PDRRMO said that on Thursday afternoon, water level started to rise in Ypayo River in Patnongon and Binangbang River in Barbaza.
Landslides were also reported in Sitio Pano-on and Igbucagay in Hamtic and Barangay Igbarawan, Patnongon. But the roads in these areas were still passable after the PDRRMO personnel conducted clearing operations.
Meanwhile, following the heavy rains on Thursday, the Provincial Emergency Operation Center maintained a blue alert status. This status indicates close monitoring, intensified coordination, and operational readiness to the potential adverse impacts of the weather situation.
The PDRRMO further advised the public to be on alert with the anticipated inclement weather to persist until Sunday, September 15./PN
