Iloilo: The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that 722 families have sought refuge in 55 evacuation centers across the province due to the heavy rains and flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDRRM officer Cornelio Salinas highlighted that out of the 722 displaced families, 623 heeded the call for preemptive evacuation from the towns of Tubungan, San Dionisio, Batad, Carles, Lemery, and Estancia. Salinas commended these families for their proactive measures in anticipation of the storm's potential impact.

Salinas further stated that, as of 2 p.m., only two municipalities remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, while 15 are currently under Signal No. 2. The PDRRMO Emergency Operations Center has been activated and is on red alert status, ensuring effective coordination, vigilant monitoring, and thorough dissemination of weather advisories among relevant agencies.

The province began experiencing moderate to heavy rain showers accompanied by strong winds on Thursday afternoon, which persisted into Friday. Additionally, approximately 700 individuals were stranded at the Dumangas port in Dumangas, Iloilo, following the suspension of sea travel.