ILOILO City – Heavy rainfall caused by a shear line affected 1,009 families or 4,260 individuals across the provinces of Aklan and Capiz, according to Western Visayas’ Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
The shear line forms where cold air from the northeast monsoon (amihan) meets warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in intense rainfall.
On Dec. 1, this weather phenomenon impacted the provinces of Antique, Capiz, and Aklan, triggering floods and landslides in 11 barangays.
In Aklan, nine barangays were affected, with 1,001 families or 4,223 individuals impacted.
In Capiz, two barangays reported eight affected families or 37 individuals. The hardest-hit municipalities were Sapian and Ivisan in Capiz, and Tangalan, Nabas, Altavas, Balete, Lezo, and New Washington in Aklan.
Evacuation efforts were swiftly implemented. A total of 46 families or 184 individuals sought shelter in six evacuation centers, while 14 families or 59 individuals were assisted outside evacuation centers.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 is closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in the affected areas and continues to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, the Aklan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) issued weather advisories to all 17 LGUs, activated its 24/7 Emergency Operations Center, raised a blue alert status, and deployed standby response teams.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the shear line and the northeast monsoon will continue to bring rains to parts of Luzon and Visayas, including Metro Manila, MIMAROPA, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and several provinces in northern and central Luzon.
Moderate to heavy rains could result in flash floods or landslides in affected areas, it added.
Coastal waters in Luzon are expected to be rough in the eastern section, while moderate conditions will prevail elsewhere. Visayas and Mindanao coastal waters will remain slight to moderate.
Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and heed weather updates as conditions may further deteriorate./PN
