BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has identified 72 barangays as high-risk flood zones this rainy season.
Darwin Joemil Papa from CDRRMO highlighted findings from the 2020 Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) study, which warned that 240,360 residents across these barangays are at heightened risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall and typhoons.
The identification of these zones is supported by data from the CDRA, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and historical flood records.
Donna Magno, head of CDRRMO, explained the basis of these findings: “The CDRA is a comprehensive study on various hazards like floods, storm surges, and droughts that could be exacerbated by climate change. In our analysis, we cross-referenced our data with that from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, which also pointed to these areas being high-risk.”
She also mentioned research from the Manila Observatory shared through the National Resiliency program, which indicates that soil exposed to excessive heat absorbs less water, leading to significant runoff and potential flash floods.
In response to the flood risk, the city government has organized 12 response clusters that will activate during disasters.
Magno emphasized the importance of proactive measures in flood-prone areas, including waste management and infrastructure development, which often contribute to flooding.
The CDRRMO has recommended that the Department of Public Highways and the City Engineer’s Office clear major waterways to facilitate better water flow. Coordination with various offices is underway to enhance prevention and mitigation measures.
“We are gathering data, assessing risks, and coordinating with relevant offices to take action before the floods hit,” Magno said, expressing hope that the preparations will mitigate the impact of seasonal rains.
Residents of the identified barangays are urged to remain proactive by understanding alert levels, maintaining clean drainage systems, and preparing for potential floods to minimize impact and aim for zero casualties during the rainy season.
The at-risk barangays are the following:
* Santa Cruz, Arguelles, Bakhaw, Balabago,Balantang, Baldoza, Banuyao, Benedicto (Jaro), Bito-on, Bolilao
* Bonifacio (Arevalo), Buhang, Taft North, Buntatala, Caingin, Calahunan, Calaparan, Camalig, El 98 Castilla (Claudio Lopez), Cuartero, Cubay
* Democarcia, Desamparados, Dulonan, Dungon A, Dungon B, Fajardo, Gustilo, Hbaog-habog Salvacion, Hinactacan, Ingore
* Jereos, Calubihan, Lanit, Lapuz Norte; Libertad, Santa Isabel; Lopez Jaena (Jaro), M.V. Hechanova, Magsaysay Village, Mansaya-Lapuz
* Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Maria Cristina, Mohon, Molo Boulevard, Montinola, Nabitasan, Our Lady of Lourdes, PHHC Block 17, PHHC Block 22 NHA, Quintin Salas
* Sambag, San Isidro (Jaro), San Pedro (Jaro), San Rafael, San Roque, San Vicente, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Simon Ledesma, So-oc, Tabuc Suba (Jaro)
* Tabucan, Tacas, Tagbac, Taytay Zone II, Ticud (La Paz), Ungka, West Habog-habog, Yulo Drive, San Isidro (La Paz), and Tabuc Suba (La Paz)/PN
