ILOILO — The combined impact of tropical cyclones “Emong” and “Dante,” intensified by the southwest monsoon or habagat, has now displaced more than 400,000 individuals in Western Visayas, according to the most recent data from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) as of 4 p.m. on July 30.
This updated report shows a significant rise in affected populations compared to earlier advisories, confirming that 111,519 families or 417,030 individuals across five provinces — Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Capiz, and Guimaras — have been hit by the back-to-back storms and subsequent flooding.
The province of Iloilo recorded the highest number of affected individuals with 230,812 across 678 barangays. It also accounted for three of the six reported fatalities. Guimaras followed with two deaths, while Aklan recorded one. Two individuals remain missing in Antique.
Here is the latest breakdown of affected populations:
* Iloilo — 59,001 families / 230,812 individuals (678 barangays)
* Antique — 29,878 families / 98,663 individuals (316 barangays)
* Guimaras — 9,609 families / 33,789 individuals (38 barangays)
* Aklan — 8,097 families / 29,202 individuals (53 barangays)
* Capiz — 4,934 families / 24,564 individuals (31 barangays)
Despite the extent of the displacement, only one evacuation center remains operational with a single family of five still seeking shelter.
RDRRMC, through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6, also reported extensive housing damage. A total of 1,044 homes were damaged regionwide—901 partially and 143 totally:
* Iloilo — 491 partial, 67 total
* Antique — 313 partial, 71 total
* Aklan — 97 partial, 5 total
Agricultural losses have surged past P83 million, affecting at least 5,318 farmers and fisherfolk, primarily in Iloilo (1,363), Capiz (2,403), and Antique (1,359).
In response to ongoing flooding, in-person classes were suspended in 93 municipalities across the region: Iloilo (44), Capiz (17), Aklan (16), Antique (11), and Guimaras (5).
As of 2 p.m. on July 30, no low-pressure area has been detected within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but the OCD stressed that “monitoring efforts continue” as adverse weather conditions persist.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and follow preventive measures to ensure safety as the region recovers from one of the most widespread weather-related displacements in recent months./PN
