Western Visayas on Blue Alert for Inday

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Western Visayas raised a Blue Alert effective 5 p.m. July 8 as Super Typhoon Inday was expected to intensify the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and bring days of heavy rainfall across parts of the region.

The alert was declared following a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Scenario Building meeting led by RDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense Region 6 Director Raul E. Fernandez to ensure the readiness of national agencies and local government units for possible weather-related emergencies.

Based on the latest assessment of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Iloilo Radar Station, Inday was expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, resulting in moderate to heavy rains from July 9 to 11.

Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo were identified as among the provinces likely to experience the greatest impact.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 6 also identified 919 barangays in four provinces as susceptible to rain-induced landslides and flooding, prompting disaster managers to heighten monitoring in vulnerable communities.

To support emergency operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 6 reported that relief resources had already been prepositioned in strategic areas.

These included 171,885 family food packs, 32,886 ready-to-eat meals, 17,971 nonfood items, and a PHP 3 million standby fund for immediate response.

The National Irrigation Administration said it had been continuously monitoring river irrigation systems throughout the region, noting that all facilities remained within normal and safe operating levels as of the assessment.

Fernandez directed member agencies and local disaster risk reduction and management councils to activate Incident Management Teams and Emergency Operations Centers when necessary, closely monitor flood- and landslide-prone areas, and coordinate with barangays for possible preemptive evacuations.

He also instructed responders to ensure that vehicles, equipment, and other emergency assets were ready for deployment, while urging local governments to advise fisherfolk and operators of small boats not to venture out to sea during the expected inclement weather.

Authorities also reminded the public to monitor official weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and remain vigilant as Inday continued to enhance the southwest monsoon over Western Visayas.

PAGASA earlier said Super Typhoon Bavi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was given the local name Inday, with the cyclone expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over parts of the country.