ILOILO City — Pre-emptive evacuations have been ordered across Western Visayas on Thursday as Tropical Storm “Basyang” threatens to make landfall in the region. Authorities started moving residents out of flood-, landslide-, and storm surge-prone areas ahead of heavy rains and strong winds.
In an urgent memorandum dated February 5, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 directed all Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to immediately carry out the evacuations, particularly in high-risk barangays in southern Iloilo and southern Antique.
Based on the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Basyang” is expected to make landfall in Western Visayas this Friday night, bringing heavy to torrential rains and gusty winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.
Authorities warned that the approaching cyclone could trigger widespread flooding, landslides, and dangerous storm surges, especially in coastal and low-lying communities.
Under the OCD directive, LDRRMCs were instructed to implement the following measures:
* Immediate evacuations — Local councils must clear residents from high-risk barangays and coastal communities, particularly those along riverbanks and shorelines vulnerable to flooding and storm surges, and relocate them to safer areas before conditions worsen.
* Activation of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) — All EOCs must be fully operational to ensure effective coordination, resource management, and communication with regional offices and community leaders.
* Readiness of evacuation centers — Designated evacuation sites must be prepared and stocked with food, potable water, sanitation kits, and medical supplies, with health personnel placed on standby.
* Prompt communication of warnings — LDRRMCs must disseminate regular and accurate updates on the cyclone’s movement and safety protocols through social media, local radio, and loudspeaker announcements, particularly in remote areas.
* Ongoing situation reporting — Regular situation reports detailing evacuation progress and incidents must be submitted to the Regional DRRM Operations Center to guide response adjustments.
The OCD emphasized that these proactive measures aim to prevent loss of life and minimize damage as “Basyang” approaches.
Residents were urged to remain alert, prepare emergency kits, and strictly comply with evacuation orders as authorities continue to monitor the storm’s developments and issue updates./PN
