ILOILO City – Heavy rains dumped by tropical storm “Opong” submerged 88 barangays across all seven districts of this city on Friday, September 26, forcing thousands of residents to wade through floodwaters that rose as high as 40 inches in some areas.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that the widespread flooding crippled communities in Arevalo, City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, Lapuz, Molo, and Mandurriao, with creeks and waterways quickly overflowing.
Donna Magno, head of the CDRRMO, said their Emergency Operations Center has been on full alert since early Friday.
“We are closely coordinating with barangay disaster units to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas. Our response teams are on alert for possible evacuations, especially in communities near creeks and waterways where water levels rose quickly,” she said.
Magno urged everyone to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel in flooded zones, and immediately report to authorities if assistance is needed.
“Should residents require evacuation, the CDRRMO is ready to assist and bring them to the nearest evacuation centers,” she stressed. “The priority is to protect lives while continuously monitoring areas where floods remain high.”
Breakdown of Flooded Areas
* Arevalo (3 barangays) – Mohon, Sooc, Sta. Cruz (8–15 inches deep)
* City Proper (14 barangays) – Tanza Esperanza, San Agustin, Jalandoni Wilson, Baybay Tanza, Malipayon, San Jose, Inday, Gen. Hughes, Tanza Timawa II, Zamora Melliza, Veterans Village, San Felix, Villa Anita, Ed Ganzon (3–14 inches)
* Jaro (17 barangays) – Calubihan (37–40 inches), Camalig (35 inches), Montinola, San Vicente, Desamparados, Dungon A & B, Lanit, Balabago, Arguelles, Buhang, Cuartero, Simon Ledesma, Sambag, Benedicto, Tabuc Suba, Balantang (5–15 inches)
* La Paz (19 barangays) – Divinagracia, Lopez Jaena Sur & Norte, Banuyao, Baldoza, Nabitasan, Magdalo, Burgos Mabini, Bantud, Rizal, Magsaysay Village, Jereos, Aguinaldo, Ingore, Railway, Ticud, Caingin, San Isidro, San Nicolas (3–18 inches)
* Lapuz (5 barangays) – Don Esteban, Sinikway, Loboc, Lapuz Norte, Bo. Obrero (6–16 inches)
* Mandurriao (16 barangays): Taft North (15–20 inches), Tabucan (15–20 inches), Hibao-an Sur (12–15 inches), plus Q. Abeto, Bolilao, Pali-Benedicto, Dungon C, Airport, Sta. Rosa, Navais, Calahunan, Onate-De Leon, Bakhaw, PHHC Block 17, Hibao-an Norte, San Rafael (3–7 inches)
* Molo (14 barangays) – Katilingban, San Juan, Calumpang, Kasing-Kasing, West & East Timawa, Cochero, Poblacion, South & North San Jose, North Avanceña (13 inches), Infante, South Fundidor, North Fundidor (3–10 inches)
CDRRMO Advisory
The CDRRMO assured continuous monitoring as rains persist, warning that additional areas may still be affected. Residents in flood-prone zones were advised to coordinate with barangay officials for immediate assistance and evacuation if necessary./PN
