Crising-enhanced monsoon displaces thousands in W. Visayas

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By Juliane Judilla

While Tropical Cyclone Crising did not make landfall in the Philippines, its intensification of the southwest monsoon (habagat) brought severe weather to much of the western region, with Western Visayas among the hardest hit.

According to initial data from the Panay Center for Disaster Response (PCDR), an estimated 38,000 families – or roughly 135,000 individuals – have been affected across 416 barangays in 40 municipalities and cities as of 12 p.m. on July 22.

This data was consolidated from several sources, including National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Situation Report No. 10, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) DROMIC Report No. 10, local disaster risk reduction councils, and ground-level assessments conducted by PCDR and its partner organizations under the Network for Disaster Response–Panay.

SEVERE IMPACT

In Aklan province, heavy rainfall triggered flooding and landslides, especially in the low-lying towns of Madalag and Ibajay.

The Madalag Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reported PHP1.2 million in agricultural damage.

Two major infrastructures – the national bridge in Tigum, Buruanga and the flood control structure in Mobo, Kalibo – were destroyed, with combined damage estimated at over PHP43.8 million.

A provincewide power outage occurred on July 19 but has since been restored.

Classes at all levels have been suspended in Aklan since July 17.

As of NDRRMC Report No. 10, 915 families in Aklan have received government assistance.

In Antique province, continuous rains damaged roads, homes, schools, bridges, and utility lines.

Landslides were reported in upland areas, while flooding, mudslides, and rockslides affected low-lying communities, leaving roads and bridges impassable or limited to light vehicles.

Total infrastructure damage in Antique is estimated at over PHP9 million.

Power was temporarily interrupted in Sebaste and Anini-y but has since been restored.

Fifteen passengers were stranded in Caluya due to disrupted transport services.

All 18 municipalities in Antique suspended classes, beginning as early as July 12 in Tobias Fornier and more broadly from July 16 to 17.

As of July 22, only 5,987 affected families have received government aid.

In Iloilo province, heavy rains and strong winds damaged homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.

Flooding was widespread in low-lying communities, while upland areas reported landslides.

Communities near rivers and waterways were hit hardest.

Classes across the province were suspended at all levels on July 17.

To date, only 413 families have reportedly received government assistance, based on NDRRMC data.

In Iloilo City, at least 35 barangays experienced flooding, with water levels reaching up to 37 inches in some areas by 2 p.m. on July 21.

Uprooted trees and toppled electrical posts caused additional hazards, while blocked roads and disrupted services further complicated emergency response.

Port operations were suspended, stranding 80 passengers, and in-person classes in select areas have yet to resume.

COMMUNITY-LED RESPONSE

PCDR activated its Emergency Response Team on July 18 and initiated real-time coordination with its Disaster Preparedness Committees (DPCs), local government units, and civil society partners.

DPCs began conducting damage, needs, and capacities assessments (DNCA) and implemented early response actions.

In Sibalom, Antique, the DPC collaborated with the barangay council to monitor water levels, prepare evacuation centers, and lead information drives.

In Kalibo, Aklan, DPCs carried out public awareness campaigns and continuous monitoring.

In San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City, the local DPC served hot meals to evacuees and deployed modular tents provided by PCDR to house displaced families.

PCDR has released three situational reports and launched appeals for humanitarian support to meet growing needs in affected areas.

For donations or volunteer coordination, contact the Panay Center for Disaster Response or visit their official social media pages.