BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused substantial disruption in the metropolis, leading to flooding and property damage.
According to the latest records from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the storm affected 116 barangays, displacing approximately 2,932 families, or about 13,254 individuals.
In response, the city government quickly mobilized emergency relief efforts, distributing P2.182- million worth of relief goods to assist affected families in coping with the immediate aftermath. The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center reported that close to 600 houses were damaged.
Acting Mayor Jeffrey P. Ganzon issued an executive order encouraging preemptive evacuation yesterday for residents in coastal barangays and those in high-risk areas with exposure to the storm’s effects.
Such measures aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of the public by facilitating the timely relocation of individuals from vulnerable locations before the storm could cause further damage and disruption.
“Relative to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center reiterated the call for pre-emptive evacuation in the coastal barangay of the city to protect the general welfare of the public and highly encouraged public and private institutions to shorten their office hours or operations,” Ganzon’s order read.
Tropical Storm Kristine exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday last week.
However, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Storm Leon has slightly intensified over the Philippine Sea.
Furthermore, Leon may also continue to influence the southwesterly wind flow initially triggered by Tropical Storm Kristine, which may affect the Visayas, Mindanao, and the western section of Southern Luzon.
This latest tropical cyclone is expected to gradually intensify in the next 24 hours and may reach severe tropical storm category today and typhoon category on Tuesday./PN
