Low-lying areas told to prepare for storm surge, flood due

Storm surges as a high as 1 to 2 meters are expected to hit low-lying areas in Western Visayas if Typhoon Odette hits the region, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021.

In its advisory issued 2 p.m. Wednesday, PAGASA warned that low-lying areas in the provinces of Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Aklan, and Guimaras are at risk of storm surges.

According to PAGASA, a storm surge, which is also known as “Daluyong ng Bagyo,” refers to the abnormal rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones. It is caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressures caused by tropical cyclones.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, the storm surge will cause minimal to moderate damage to coastal communities, marine infrastructures and disruptions to all marine-related activities.

Hence, all marine activities must be cancelled. Public is advised to follow the latest updates from PAGASA.

In a separate advisory issued by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC 6) on Wednesday, watercourses that are likely to be affected due to the light to occasionally moderate rains and thunderstorms caused by Odette are:

*Aklan – Rivers and its tributaries particularly Ibajay, Aklan, and Jalo

*Antique – Rivers and its tributaries particularly Sibalom, Ipayo, Cagaranan, Palawan, Cairauan, Dalanas, and Tibiao

*Capiz- Rivers and its tributaries particularly Panay, Mambusao, Panay Malinao, Alngon and Balantian

*Guimaras- All rivers and its tributaries

*Iloilo – Rivers and its tributaries particularly Pinantan, Barotac, Akalaygan, Jalaud, Jalano, Jagdong, Jalaur, Lamunan, Jaro-Aganan, Sibalom, and Guimbal

*Negros Occidental – Rivers and its tributaries particularly Malogo, Sicaba, Grande, Himogaan, Danao, Upper Tabanan, Sipalay, and lower Ilog

People living near the mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas of the above-mentioned river systems and the local DRRMC councils are advised to take necessary precautionary measures. (ERS)