ILOILO City – The southwest monsoon, known locally as hangin habagat, has left a trail of destruction across Western Visayas since its onset on September 12.
It has claimed five lives due to flash floods and drowning, according to a situational report released by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
The victims were identified as:
* Rogelio Estocando, 76, from Barangay Dumrog, Pandan, Antique
* James Arnaiz, 5, from Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
* Macario Villasan, 69, from Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental
* Rockey Jay Alasa, 37, from Barangay Guiwanon, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
* Mark Rogie Grafane, 34, from Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo
During habagat season, the predominant wind flow brings high levels of humidity and substantial rainfall. This often leads to intense and prolonged periods of rain, which often result in flooding, especially in low-lying and coastal areas.
In addition to the loss of life, the monsoon damaged a total of 1,212 houses due to storm surges, landslides, and flooding. Out of these, 129 houses were totally destroyed while 1,083 suffered partial damage.
Here’s a breakdown of the damages per province:
* Aklan – 208 houses (14 totally, 194 partially)
* Antique – 157 houses (35 totally, 122 partially)
* Guimaras – 12 houses (one totally, 11 partially)
* Iloilo – 264 houses (38 totally, 226 partially)
* Negros Occidental – 571 houses (41 totally, 530 partially)
The heavy monsoon rains these past days were particularly impactful due to Tropical Storm Bebinca and low pressure areas. These affected approximately 102,675 families or 378,212 individuals from 865 barangays from September 12 to September 19.
While most of the affected residents have returned to their homes, 12,092 families or 43,976 persons remain in evacuation centers, and another 5,791 families or 22,339 persons are either outside the centers or staying with relatives.
The family and individual impact per province includes:
* Aklan – 13,878 families or 54,840 persons
* Antique – 36,799 families or 124,131 persons
* Guimaras – 319 families or 899 persons
* Iloilo – 1,864 families or 9,901 persons
* Negros Occidental – 49,815 families or 188,441 persons
In terms of relief efforts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 reported that about 96,598 families require assistance. As of September 19, aid has been extended to 32,008 families, distributed as follows: Aklan, 1,635 families; Antique, 13,540 families; Iloilo, 1,201 families; Negros Occidental, 15,632 families/PN
