ANTIQUE – At least 590 families or 650 individuals in this province have been affected by Tropical Storm (TS) “Opong,” according to the latest report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as of September 26.
The affected families came from the municipalities of Barbaza, Culasi, Libertad, San Jose, Valderrama, and Tibiao. Of these, 256 families (556 individuals) were evacuated to designated evacuation centers, while 35 families (99 individuals) sought temporary shelter with relatives outside the centers.
As part of precautionary measures, the PDRRMO also mapped out communities in high-risk zones vulnerable to flooding, landslides, mudflow, and rockfalls due to the storm.
Areas identified as mudflow-prone include the Abiera-Bacalan road in Sebaste and the Igbarawan road in Patnongon. Motorists and residents were advised to avoid traveling in flood-prone zones such as Cabariwan, Cadahug, Sitio Malawmawan, Lindero, and Lugta in Laua-an; Ilaures, Pojo, and Cubay South in Bugasong; Calala, Piapi I, and Pu-ao in Hamtic; Maybato North and San Pedro in San Jose de Buenavista; and Sto. Rosario and San Francisco Sur in Tibiao.
The agency further warned of landslide-prone areas, particularly along Hamtic–Iloilo Road and Anini-y–Iloilo Road, as well as in Barangays Igbucagay, Caromangay, and Casalngan in Hamtic; Punta-Hagdan and the Pacencia–Igdalaguit area in Tobias Fornier; and Igdanlug in the same town.
Travelers and residents were also cautioned about possible rockfall hazards in Punta Nasog Esplanade in Barangay Iba, Anini-y, and Barangay Fatima, Tobias Fornier.
The PDRRMO continued to coordinate with local government units to monitor weather conditions, assess damages, and provide assistance to affected families. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant, follow evacuation advisories, and stay updated through official channels as Opong continued to affect the province./PN
