ILOILO City — Western Visayas has been placed on heightened alert as Typhoon Francisco, the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat), and an approaching tropical storm combine to threaten the region with prolonged rains, possible flooding, and overflowing rivers, prompting disaster officials to bolster monitoring and preparedness measures.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said it is closely monitoring the impact of the weather disturbances, warning that continuous rainfall over the next several days could worsen flood risks across vulnerable communities in Panay Island and other parts of the region.
According to the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), three weather systems are simultaneously affecting the country within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Typhoon Francisco continues to maintain its strength while enhancing the habagat, resulting in light to moderate rainfall, particularly over the western and southern portions of Panay Island. PAGASA said the typhoon is expected to exit the PAR by Thursday evening.
The enhanced southwest monsoon remains a major concern, bringing prolonged rainfall across Western Visayas and significantly increasing the risk of flooding.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Higos, internationally known as Gardo, is forecast to enter the PAR by Thursday evening, potentially worsening weather conditions in the coming days.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 6 reported that three River Irrigation Systems in Antique province have already reached warning levels due to rising water levels brought about by the persistent rains. These include Tipuluan Dam and Solong Dam in Sibalom town, and Nasuli Dam in San Remigio town.
Authorities said the warning status indicates the possibility of overflowing water as rainfall from the enhanced habagat continues.
In response, local governments and disaster management offices have been urged to activate preparedness measures, including preemptive evacuation plans, public awareness campaigns on emergency protocols, and the preparation of essential supplies for possible displacement.
Residents are also advised to establish family communication plans and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes as the threat of flooding and landslides increases.
Local leaders emphasized that community preparedness remains the most effective defense against weather-related disasters, while the RDRRMC, PAGASA, and partner agencies continue round-the-clock monitoring and coordination to keep the public informed and safe./PN
