Iloilo City — The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has flagged 72 out of 180 barangays in the city as high-risk flood zones in anticipation of the La Niña phenomenon.
According to CDRRMO Operation Center Head Darwin Joemil Papa, these barangays are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to major waterways like the Jaro River, Jaro Floodway, Dungon Creek, and Calahunan Creek.
This is based on the 2020 Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), which highlighted that approximately 240,000 residents could be affected by potential flooding. This assessment was backed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and historical flood records.
Papa mentioned that the CDRRMO has begun instructing the 72 barangays to activate their Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMC) to better prepare for any emergencies.
“We have almost the entire Jaro area adjacent to the major river systems. Specifically, the most at-risk areas, based on our study, include 72 barangays, which are considered very high risk for flooding, potentially impacting around 240,000 people,” Papa said.
According to data released by the CDRRMO, four barangays in Arevalo—Sto. Niño Sur, Calaparan, Sto. Niño Norte, Sooc, and Yulo Drive—are identified as high-risk zones.
In the city proper, Tanza Baybay, Ortiz, and Tanza Esperanza are listed as flood-prone. The Jaro district, which has the highest number of at-risk barangays, includes Lanit, Camalig, Dungon B, Tabuc Suba, Balabago, Calubihan, Cubay, San Isidro, and Tagbak.
Other high-risk areas include three barangays in La Paz—Baldoza, Ingore, and Ticud—and three in Lapuz—Barrio Obrero, Don Esteban, and Mansaya. In Mandurriao, the vulnerable barangays are Bakhaw, Navais, Airport, Bolilao, and Pali Benedicto, while Molo’s high-risk areas include Calumpang, Boulevard, San Juan, West Habog-habog, and West Timawa.
Papa noted that flooding in other barangays is still possible, especially since afternoon rains have become a common occurrence.
Mayor Jerry Treñas has already ordered the declogging of drainage systems throughout the city to help improve water flow and increase the drainage system’s capacity, particularly during the rainy season.
The comprehensive CDRA study investigated hazards related to climate change, including flooding, storm surges, and drought.
In response to these risks, the CDRRMO is preparing for potential flooding impacts by organizing 12 response clusters to be activated during emergencies.
CDRRMO Head Donna Magno emphasized the importance of proactive measures in flood-prone areas, such as effective waste management and infrastructure development.
Magno urged residents in the identified high-risk barangays to remain vigilant, be aware of alert levels, clean drainage systems, and cooperate with government efforts to mitigate the situation.
