The city government is preemptively evacuating families living in high-risk, low-lying, and coastal areas in preparation for heavy rains and possible flooding due to the prevailing weather systems in the country.
“I have approved for the preemptive evacuation in 72 high-risk barangays of the city and residents in coastal and low-lying areas,” Mayor Raisa Treñas announced on Wednesday.
She said all identified residents are expected to be at the evacuation centers by 5 p.m. as heavy rains and possible flooding are expected in the afternoon and evening.
Treñas made the announcement following a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting with the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Dante, Tropical Depression Emong and a developing low-pressure area.
The preemptive evacuation was formalized through a memorandum circular issued by the mayor.
“Iloilo City has a relatively low elevation and is situated along the coast. As per the Climate Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) of Iloilo City, 72 barangays are identified as high risk in flooding and 25 barangays are identified as high risk in storm surge. Moreover, densely populated areas that are near coastal areas and rivers should be on alert and must comply with a preemptive evacuation,” the circular said.
Based on the 2020 CDRA, the 25 barangays at high risk of storm surges have a population of 107,894, while the 72 flood-prone barangays have 240,360 residents.
The circular also raised the operations center preparedness to red alert status, citing the utmost importance of preparing for the combined effects of the weather systems.
Treñas has earlier ordered concerned city government offices to preposition the needed response initiatives per district for easy deployment of assistance.
“Preparedness saves lives, and we are taking every measure possible to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” she said.
As of Wednesday, she said all community kitchens and evacuation centers are activated, all district health centers are operational, and medical teams are deployed in the evacuation centers.
The Iloilo City Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection are also fully mobilized, with quick response teams and equipment on standby.
They will be conducting “recorida” (mobile public address system) to inform residents about possible worst-case scenarios and necessary precautions.
Treñas said her office is also in close coordination with water and electric utilities to ensure uninterrupted services.
“We advise the public to call 911 in case of any emergency. This will also allow us to fully utilize the PNP’s (Philippine National Police) enhanced emergency response system,” she said. (PNA)
