Severe Tropical Storm ‘Opong’ affected 8,956 individuals from 2,233 families across Western Visayas, the Office of Civil Defense in the region has reported on Friday.
Of these, 861 individuals from 253 families are staying inside 36 evacuation centers, while 1,705 individuals from 470 families are being served outside evacuation centers.
As of writing, Iloilo was the hardest-hit province with 8,299 individuals from 2,037 families affected across 57 barangays. Of these, 747 individuals from 220 families have sought temporary shelter, while 1,486 individuals from 411 families are receiving assistance outside evacuation centers.
Flooding and strong winds forced residents to seek refuge and several towns recorded partial damage to homes. Other provinces were also impacted such as Antique, Capiz, and Aklan with hundreds of individuals displaced.
Storm-related incidents in Iloilo included drowning at Miagao Fishing Port, fallen trees blocking roads in Janiuay and Lambunao, and a capsized boat in Oton, from which two individuals were rescued and treated at a rural health unit.
One person jumped from Agutayan Bridge in Santa Barbara and a 41-year-old man in Carles survived a drowning incident. Approximately 700 passengers, meanwhile, were stranded at Dumangas Port due to rough seas.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) raised the Red Alert status at 8:00 a.m. on September 26. Retired Col. Cornelio Salinas, head of PDRRMO, said municipal disaster offices and rescue teams are fully deployed.
“Our teams are prepared, and equipment is in place to respond to floods and other hazards. We urge residents to follow local advisories and stay home if possible,” Salinas said.
In Iloilo City, flooding affected 82 barangays across Arevalo, City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, Lapuz, Mandurriao, and Molo, displacing 692 families, or 2,529 individuals. Passengers were stranded at ferry wharves, including Parola Wharf (44), Fort San Pedro (211), and Lapuz Wharf (126).
Agricultural losses across Western Visayas are estimated at P1.7 million, with Iloilo accounting for P1.4 million. A total of 247 fisherfolk and farmers were affected.
Authorities across Western Visayas continue to monitor the situation and coordinate relief and response efforts to ensure the safety of affected residents.
