Floods persist in Iloilo City, 23 barangays affected

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Knee-deep floodwaters continue to affect parts of Iloilo City as intermittent rains, sustained by the southwest monsoon, leave 23 barangays still submerged as of July 21.

The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center reported that the Jaro district recorded the most affected areas, with over 15 flooded barangays, followed by Mandurriao with seven.

The center also reported 14 damaged houses across eight barangays — 11 partially damaged and three totally destroyed due to strong winds.

Totally damaged homes were located in Barangay Calaparan in Arevalo and Barangay Hibao-an Sur in Mandurriao.

Due to safety concerns, preemptive evacuations were conducted in several barangays, including San Juan 1-B in Molo and Ingore in La Paz.

As of the latest report, 361 families or 1,197 individuals are taking shelter in 18 active evacuation centers across the city.

In response to continued flooding, Mayor Raisa Treñas directed the City Health Office (CHO) to begin the immediate distribution of doxycycline as a preventive measure against leptospirosis, particularly in high-risk areas.

The CHO prioritized distribution in Camalig, Balantang, Tagbak, Lanit, and Buntatala — the five most affected barangays.

Treñas urged residents to cooperate with health teams and take the medication, noting that leptospirosis is a potentially fatal disease transmitted through flood-contaminated water.

“This is part of our broader health response and disaster mitigation efforts,” Treñas said.

“We continue to coordinate with barangay officials and health authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.”

CHO data shows that a total of 13,792 doxycycline capsules have been distributed since Friday last week.