Manila: Preparations and coordination for the effects of the southwest monsoon, intensified by Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name Noul), have been stepped up after the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 6 (Western Visayas) raised its emergency operations center to blue alert status at 8 a.m. Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, RDRRMC-6 Chair Raul Fernandez, through Memorandum Order 59-A issued early Friday, moved the activation of the alert level earlier than the original schedule of 5 p.m. due to 'latest weather developments affecting Western Visayas.' Fernandez stated that the adjustment is necessitated by the updated weather forecast indicating that moderate to heavy rains are expected to affect portions of the region earlier than initially anticipated, thereby increasing the potential for flooding, rain-induced landslides, and other weather-related incidents.
The enhanced southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rains to parts of Western Visayas, particularly Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras. Under the blue alert status, all designated officers of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Coast Guard District Western Visayas are required to report for duty at the operations center.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, the weather bureau had issued a red rainfall warning for Iloilo City, Guimaras, and several Iloilo municipalities, including San Joaquin, Miagao, Barotac Viejo, Banate, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Tubungan, Igbaras, Guimbal, Tigbauan, Oton, Leganes, Pavia, San Miguel, Leon, Alimodian, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, New Lucena, Zarraga, and Pototan. A red rainfall warning means serious flooding is expected in low-lying areas, while landslides are possible in mountainous areas.
The Iloilo Provincial DRRM Office reported that 17 local government units had suspended classes in all levels. In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Tre±as suspended face-to-face classes from preschool to senior high school to protect students and commuters from localized flooding and heavy rains.
