ILOILO – With data showing that majority of typhoons strike the Philippines between June and December, the Iloilo provincial government is urging residents to remain vigilant and strengthen disaster preparedness efforts across all levels.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) issued the call as it released a comprehensive report summarizing major weather disturbances that affected the country — and Western Visayas in particular — during the second half of 2024.
The agency emphasized that while no typhoon made direct landfall in Iloilo last year, impacts from heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds were still felt across various municipalities, underscoring the need for sustained readiness.
“Let us learn from these events and strengthen our disaster risk reduction efforts across all levels,” the PDRRMO stated in its advisory.
The compilation listed seven significant weather systems monitored from June to December 2024. These include:
* June: Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar) – Made landfall in Quezon; brought moderate rains to Panay. Iloilo’s coastal towns conducted pre-emptive evacuations.
* July: Tropical Storm Florita – Spared Western Visayas but enhanced the southwest monsoon, causing localized flooding in southern Iloilo.
* August: Typhoon Gener (Khanun) – Triggered Signal No. 2 in parts of Visayas; coastal surges and gusty winds recorded in northern Iloilo.
* September: Typhoon Helen – Rapidly intensified but veered east; prompted province-wide mid-season readiness assessments.
* October: Typhoon Isang – A super typhoon that enhanced monsoon rains, leading to flooding in Dumangas and Pototan.
* November: Typhoon Juaning – Disrupted sea travel in Panay Gulf; zero casualty recorded due to early warnings and port suspensions.
* December: Multiple Low Pressure Areas (LPAs) – Brought scattered rains throughout the holiday season.
“All 42 municipalities (and the component city of Passi) submitted situation reports, with local DRRM councils maintaining active coordination and emergency operations,” the PDRRMO stated.
As 2025 progresses into typhoon season once again, the PDRRMO said it is enhancing its early warning systems and intensifying community drills to better equip residents and responders for potential disasters.
The agency emphasized that while Iloilo avoided direct landfall last year, “preparedness is non-negotiable,” especially as climate patterns continue to shift unpredictably./PN
