ILOILO – The entire Western Visayas region ground to a halt on Wednesday, July 23, as rains driven by the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat) and two developing tropical systems forced widespread suspension of classes and government work across five provinces.
The inclement weather — triggered by the remnants of Tropical Storm “Crising”, the looming threat of Tropical Storm “Dante”, and the newly formed Tropical Depression “Emong” — prompted Malacañang to order class and work suspension in the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras, and even Negros Occidental in the adjacent Negros Island Region.
“Essential services, such as health, security, and disaster response, will remain operational to ensure the delivery of critical services. Non-essential personnel within agencies that provide essential services may be permitted to work under alternative arrangements,” the Presidential Communications Office announced.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is currently tracking two tropical systems within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), including a low-pressure area west of the Babuyan Islands that has already intensified into a tropical depression.
In its 11 a.m. advisory yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 raised Yellow Rainfall advisories in several areas, warning of possible flooding and landslides. The alerts cover:
* Antique
* Aklan (including Malay, Buruanga, Nabas, and Ibajay)
* Guimaras
* Iloilo (specifically San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Igbaras, Guimbal, Tubungan, Leon, Tigbauan, Iloilo City, Pavia, San Miguel, Alimodian, Dumangas, Zarraga, Leganes, Santa Barbara, Maasin, Cabatuan, and New Lucena)
* Negros Occidental (including Calatrava, Toboso, Escalante City, Sagay City, and Cadiz City)
Moderate to heavy rains are also expected in the towns of Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, Dingle, Pototan, Mina, Janiuay, Badiangan, Lambunao, Dueñas, and Calinog in Iloilo; Tangalan, Makato, Malinao, Madalag, and Libacao in Aklan; Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz; and in large portions of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City and adjacent areas.
Authorities are urging residents in both coastal and upland areas to stay vigilant and to prepare for possible evacuations.
“Residents are urged to stay alert and prioritize their safety during this critical time,” the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in Iloilo stated, emphasizing the importance of following local government advisories.
Disaster officials reiterated precautionary measures, including monitoring weather updates, securing homes, preparing “go bags,” relocating pets and livestock, and moving early to evacuation centers when advised.
Post-flood protocols were also issued: avoid returning home unless declared safe, report fallen trees or electric posts, inspect electrical systems before use, and ensure drinking water is uncontaminated.
The OCD and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reminded the public that the rainy season is far from over — and more storms may form in the coming weeks./PN
