ILOILO – Moderate to heavy rains caused by a low-pressure area and an inter-tropical convergence zone brought rains over the province yesterday, causing floods and landslides most especially in the central parts of Iloilo.
While these weather systems have a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), it warned most especially areas prone to geohazards such as flooding and landslides.
Early last night, areas that confirmed experiencing flooding were Calinog (12 barangays), Passi City (10 barangays), Lambunao (two barangays), and Bingawan (two barangays).
According to Passi City’s Mayor Stephen Palmares, the water at the Jalaur River already reached critical level.
The Jalaur River, also known as Jalaud River, is the second longest river in Panay Island with a total length of 123 kilometers and the second largest by drainage basin after Panay River in Capiz. It drains the eastern portion of Panay and courses through Passi City and the towns of Leganes, Zarraga, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Dingle, San Enrique, Dueñas, and Calinog, all in Iloilo province.
Early last night, these areas where Jalaur River coursed through were put on alert. Seven floodgates of the Jalaur Diversion Irrigation Dam (Moroboro Dam) in Barangay Moroboro, Dingle were opened to lessen the pressure on it by the rising water of the dam, according to Hajie Calanao, the municipal disaster risk reduction management officer.
In Passi City, Mayor Palmares mobilized rescue teams and dump trucks to assist most especially residents of flood-hit Barangay Kalinga Agdahon.
He urged residents of other flood-prone barangays to voluntarily evacuate before floodwaters rise to dangerous levels. These villages were Quinagaringan Pequeño, Malag-it Pequeño, Pagaypay, Mulapula, Poblacion Ilawod, Gemat-y, and Mambiranan Pequeño.
“Kabay pa mabuol in due time ya mga pumoluyo naton nga na-trap sa sulod. Ang challenge naton kay lapaw sa tawo ang tubig sa Gawad Kalinga sa Barangay Agdahon,” Palmares said in an interview with Aksyon Radyo Iloilo, “As of [8 p.m.], ang total mga more or less 1,500 families ya gina-sige-sige evacuate and iban dayan na sa evacuation centers.”
In Bingawan, floodwaters covered the road in barangays Quinar-upan and Ngingi-an, making it impassable to motorcycles.
According to 3rd District Provincial Board member Matt Palabrica, Malitbog Creek overflowed, and some families evacuated to safer grounds.
An unscheduled power interruption further made the situation difficult, Palabrica added.
In Calinog, Mayor Francisco Calvo announced yesterday afternoon the suspension of all May 4 (today) classes in the town due to flooding after cancelling yesterday’s classes in schools located in low-laying barangays.
The following Calinog barangays reported flooding: Poblacion Ilaud, Toyungan, Tabucan, Maspasan, Baje San Julian, Cabagiao, Aglibacao, Lonoy, Alibunan, Canabajan, Banban Pequeño, and Libot.
While landslide was reported in barangays Cahigon, Agcalaga, and Toyungan Proper.
In Lambunao, landslide was reported in Barangay Caguisanan. On the other hand, flooding was reported in barangays Jayobo, Bontoc, Poblacion Ilawod, Balagiao, Pajo, and San Gregorio.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6, 14 families were pre-emptively evacuated from Barangay Pajo.
Janiuay MDRRMO administrative and training officer James Holipas also reported a landslide in Barangay Anhawan 3.
In Iloilo City, OIC mayor, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, announced last night that classes from pre-school to senior high school, both in public and private schools, are suspended today due to inclement weather.
However, for college level it will be the discretion of the school heads whether to suspend classes based on their assessment, the vice mayor said.
He said that based on his consultation with Pagasa yesterday, heavy rains are still expected until today. The general public is advised to be on lookout and constants readiness for sudden flooding low-lying areas.
“Maghalong gid kita kay nagalain ang panahon. Kag i-prevent ta gid ang mga bata nga magmalasakit. Let us all take care and stay safe,” Ganzon added.
OCD-6 also received an official report from Capiz province that 13 barangays from the towns of Dumalag and Dumarao were flooded.
Cindy Ferrer of OCD-6 said relief packs prepositioned by the Department of Social Welfare and Development could be released any time for distribution to displaced families./PN
