Western Visayas on alert as ‘Wilma’ brings heavy rains

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas (OCD-6) has placed the region on heightened alert as Tropical Depression Wilma moves within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, prompting early coordination and preparations among disaster agencies.

OCD-6 spokesperson Tina Ilustre Mayor said the agency convened a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting with member-agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to ensure a coordinated response once the cyclone’s effects intensify.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned family food packs in strategic areas in Western Visayas, while OCD-6 reminded high-risk communities to prepare for possible pre-emptive evacuation.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin Friday, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration placed several areas in Western Visayas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

In Iloilo, the areas covered include San Dionisio, Estancia, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Ajuy, Sara, Balasan, Lemery, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Passi City, San Enrique, Anilao, Banate, Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Mina, Pototan, New Lucena, Santa Barbara, Pavia, Iloilo City, Leganes, Zarraga, Dumangas, and Dueñas.

The eastern portion of Capiz—Pilar, President Roxas, Panay, Pontevedra, Ma-ayon, Cuartero, Dumarao, Dao, Panitan, and Roxas City—is also under Signal No. 1, along with the entire province of Guimaras.

The Philippine Coast Guard in the region has suspended sea travel in affected areas because of possible rough sea conditions brought by the weather disturbance.

As early as Dec. 4, the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office convened members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for a scenario-based meeting via Zoom.

The provincial government has prepositioned relief goods, medical supplies, and logistical resources in anticipation of heavy rains forecast by the weather bureau, which expects Iloilo to receive between 50 and 100 millimeters of rainfall from Friday noon until Saturday afternoon.

Localized flooding is possible in urban centers, low-lying communities, and coastal areas, while landslides may occur in highly susceptible zones.

The provincial government of Guimaras also raised preparedness measures, with Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava leading a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting with partner agencies that presented their readiness plans for swift and organized response operations.

The local government emphasized the importance of timely advisories, particularly in coastal and flood-prone barangays, and urged residents to monitor updates and comply with instructions issued by local authorities.