Iloilo city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) has announced the availability of over PHP168.2 million in standby relief goods and funds to assist local government units in the event of calamities. This preparation comes amid recent weather disturbances that have impacted the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, a report from the DSWD-6 disaster response operations monitoring and information center revealed that PHP175,750 worth of relief aid has already been distributed to families affected by a low-pressure area and the enhanced southwest monsoon, known locally as 'habagat,' as of 4 p.m. on Sunday. The heavy rains have had significant effects on Western Visayas, affecting 2,943 families, which include a total of 10,544 individuals. Of these, 71 families or 256 individuals were sheltered in evacuation centers, while 74 families or 283 individuals relocated to safer areas.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) reported widespread flooding in several barangays in Iloilo City due to continuous monsoon downpours. Additionally, a sudden tornado, or 'buhawi,' struck parts of Iloilo City on the evening of August 8, causing destruction by ripping off metal roof sheets, uprooting large trees, and damaging overhead power lines.
The Iloilo City DRRMC's report to the regional DRRM council highlighted that the tornado affected Barangay Q. Abeto-Mirasol and nearby areas extending to the Jaro district, resulting in uprooted trees, fallen utility posts, damaged homes, power outages, and temporary road closures. The report also suggested that the destruction might have been caused by enhanced monsoon winds and localized convective downbursts.
A total of 148 families, encompassing 587 individuals, were impacted, with 101 houses and structures initially assessed as damaged. Darwin Papa, head of the city's DRRM office disaster response division, addressed a press conference on Monday morning. He noted the absence of a formal declaration from the state weather bureau regarding the nature of the event, though evidence suggested the possibility of a microburst. He emphasized the narrow effect observed, particularly in the Jaro plaza area, and expressed that the final decision from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is awaited.
The Iloilo City government has already provided initial financial assistance to the 101 affected families. Four families whose homes were destroyed received PHP100,000 each, while the 97 families with partially damaged houses received PHP5,000 each.
