Iloilo on Blue Alert as TS ‘Kristine’ Nears

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City and province have been placed under “Blue Alert” status in anticipation of Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami). This alert level intensifies monitoring, mobilizes resources, and ensures emergency response teams are ready to address any potential crises.

Acting Mayor and Vice Mayor Jeffrey P. Ganzon announced that the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) held a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) on October 21 to review preparedness measures.

All city resources and personnel are on standby for rapid deployment, with barangay officials and city agencies coordinating closely, especially in flood-prone and coastal areas.

Simultaneously, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) raised the alert status for the entire province.

Rescue units and local government teams are on standby, with equipment pre-positioned by the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) for swift response. Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been readied, and evacuation centers are prepared to accommodate displaced residents if necessary.

Both city and provincial authorities are prioritizing high-risk areas identified for flooding and landslides.

Preemptive evacuations may be enforced, particularly in vulnerable locations such as hinterlands and coastal communities.

Class and Sea Travel Suspensions

On Wednesday, October 23, Iloilo City and province were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. As a result, classes at all levels in both public and private schools were suspended.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also suspended sea travel along major routes, including Iloilo-Guimaras, Iloilo-Manila, and Iloilo-Cebu, as a precaution against rough seas.

According to the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Weather Advisory No. 14, issued at 5 p.m., heavy rainfall is expected as Typhoon Kristine advances.

The advisory also states that Wind Signal No. 1 indicates minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Both city and provincial governments emphasize the importance of following official advisories and remaining vigilant.

Continuous monitoring of road conditions, bridges, and water levels is ongoing, with disaster response teams on high alert for potential rescue operations.