AS FLOOD WATERS RISE: Iloilo City orders preemptive evacuation of coastal villages

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The city government of Iloilo has ordered the preemptive evacuation of households located in the coastal villages in the City Proper, Molo, and Arevalo districts.

The coastal villages identified include Boulevard, San Juan, Calumpang, Calaparan, Santo Niño Sur and Norte, Rizal Ibarra, Ortiz, Gen. Hughes, and Ma. Clara.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), these areas are typically evacuated during the monsoon season due to their high risk of extreme tidal events.

The CDRRMC said the evacuations are in anticipation of heavy rains and potential flooding from Tropical Storm Carina (international name: Gaemi), which is expected to strengthen into a typhoon later this evening.

Carina was last located 350 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, carrying peak winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 115 kph and central pressure of 996 hPa.

The storm is moving westward at 20 kph, with strong to gale-force winds extending up to 320 kilometers from the center.

PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall brought by Carina, “potentially leading to flooding and landslides, especially in elevated or mountainous regions.”

City Mayor Jerry Treñas approved an executive order for the evacuations on Sunday evening, July 21, based on the CDRRMC’s recommendation.

Treñas in a Viber message said financial assistance will be provided to the affected families.

The EO noted that the Public Order and Safety Management Office, Iloilo City Police Office and the Liga ng mga Barangay will assist in evacuating the residents to Baluarte Elem. School, and other identified evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will ensure the provision of food and non-food items; and will seek further assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Earlier on Sunday, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reported an expected high tide of approximately 1.99 meters and urged all barangays to monitor and report any concerns, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.

The CSWDO said the strong winds and rough waves caused 11 houses to be totally damaged and 6 to be partially damaged in Zones 3, 5, and 6 in the Molo district.

The total number of affected families reached 56 as of writing.

The city government has already activated a community kitchen, with the Barangay Hall and daycare center of Boulevard, Molo, serving as evacuation centers.