Monsoon rains displace 15K families in Western Visayas

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Rains brought by the southwest monsoon, intensified by Tropical Depression Crising, have displaced thousands of families and disrupted classes across Western Visayas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Western Visayas reported that, as of noon on July 17, 15,949 families—or 68,103 individuals—have been affected by days of heavy rains and flash floods in 16 local government units and 96 barangays.

The agency said 16 houses were totally destroyed, while 11 others were partially damaged by flooding in low-lying communities and areas near riverbanks and creeks.

To assist displaced residents, DSWD-6 opened 16 evacuation centers now housing 217 families or 756 individuals.

The agency has distributed family food packs worth PHP55,007 in Leganes and PHP9,150 in Ajuy, both in Iloilo.

In Negros Occidental, Bacolod City and Talisay City received over PHP3.5 million in aid.

DSWD-6 said it maintains a standby fund of PHP157 million for immediate relief operations.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education Western Visayas reported that 1,322 schools with more than 418,000 learners suspended face-to-face classes and shifted to alternative learning modalities.

The breakdown is as follows:

• Antique – 539 schools, 131,833 learners
• Iloilo province – 531 schools, 165,741 learners
• Capiz – 141 schools, 23,329 learners
• Passi City – 45 schools, 19,856 learners
• Iloilo City – 66 schools, 77,686 learners

In its 5 p.m. advisory, the state weather bureau placed Antique under a red rainfall warning, while the rest of Western Visayas remains under yellow warning.

A red rainfall warning signals torrential rain that is expected to cause serious flooding and requires immediate evacuation and emergency measures.

A yellow warning indicates moderate to heavy rainfall that may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and rivers prone to overflow.