W. Visayas provinces warned of flash floods, landslides
The country's weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has warned the public that the active low pressure area (LPA) will continue to bring occasional to frequent rains in Visayas which may trigger flash floods and landslides in the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz and Antique.
The low pressure area was last spotted yesterday morning 340 kilometers southwest of Iba, Zambales and a formation of tropical cyclone (typhoon) is highly possible in the next 24 to 48 hours. Copies of the Pagasa weather bulletin was furnished yesterday by the office of City Mayor Jerry Treñas for immediate information dissemination.
With the Pagasa's advisory, residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flash floods and landslides.
Here in Iloilo City, the chief executive has alerted the Iloilo City Disaster Coordinating Council and City Disaster Management Office to monitor the 27 flood prone barangays in the city. Most of the flood prone areas are located in Jaro and Lapaz districts.
As of yesterday noon, 13 families involving 50 individuals in Barangay Simon Ledesma in Jaro were affected by floods. However, the affected families refused to seek shelter in the Jaro covered gym which is designated as evacuation center for Jaro residents. No reports have been received from any coastal barangays of any damage in property and lives.
Simon Ledesma is one of the flood prone barangays in the city. The other flood prone barangays in Jaro are Tacas, Ungka, San Isidro, Sambag, Dungon A and Dungon B, Benedicto, Democracia, El 98, M.H. del Pilar, San Pedro and Tabuc Suba.
According to Treñas, a hanging bridge in Ungka was partly destroyed because of the heavy rains and strong winds and a concrete mixer used in the Iloilo Flood Control Project in Tigum was carried by strong current of water. It could not be ascertained yet whether the contractor was able to recover the concrete mixer.
Treñas said the City Disaster Management has been on alert for any possible evacuation as the water continue to rise at the Jaro River. Before noon yesterday the water level already reached to 5.7 meters which is already alarming. A six-wheeler truck from the Police Regional Office 6 was placed on standby at the Jaro covered gym in case of emergency evacuation.
The chief executive said the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has enough food supply in their bodega. While, the city can make purchases at the National Food Authority when the need arises. "There is a need to monitor, be alert and manage the situation, " said Treñas.