ILOILO City – Tropical storm “Opong” forced the evacuation of residents here. Over 2,500 individuals sought shelter in more than 450 evacuation centers across seven districts.
Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson of Mayor Raisa Treñas, said the evacuations were concentrated in low-lying and coastal barangays that were hit hardest by the storm’s torrential rains and strong winds.
“As of 1 p.m. (Friday, September 26), a total of 691 families, or 2,529 individuals from 25 barangays, have been displaced and are now being accommodated in our evacuation centers,” Fantilaga-Gorzal told reporters.
The city’s evacuation facilities, capable of housing more than 45,000 families or over 200,000 individuals, are being supported by community kitchens to ensure basic needs are met.
“Our community kitchens have already been activated in evacuation centers with evacuees, ensuring that hot meals are served to affected families. In addition, we have provided hot meals to stranded passengers at the Lapuz ro-ro port and at the Parola wharf,” she added.
“Opong” further intensified the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy to intense rainfall in the city and across Western Visayas.
Strong winds have toppled trees and triggered power interruptions in several parts of the city.
“Our emergency response teams remain on full alert and have been continuously responding to reports of fallen trees and other hazards to ensure the safety of everyone,” Fantilaga-Gorzal said.
City officials are reminding residents in flood-prone and coastal areas to heed evacuation advisories early.
“Preemptive measures,” they emphasized, “could spell the difference between safety and danger” as river levels continue to rise.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring developments, coordinating with barangay leaders and national agencies, while preparing relief assistance should the number of evacuees further increase./PN
