The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) here has advised farmers to secure their farm animals and other properties as Tropical Depression Basyang is expected to traverse Antique on Friday evening and will continue to affect the whole province until Saturday.

Local DRRM Officer III Michael Tolentino said moderate to heavy rains are currently being experienced in the province, particularly in the southern municipalities of Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic San Jose de Buenavista, and Sibalom as well as in the northern towns of Libertad, Tibiao and Culasi.

“Farmers are advised to transfer their farm animals to higher areas and secure their properties while the water level in the major rivers is still normal, or there is still no flash flood incident,” Tolentino said in an interview on Friday.

In the past, farmers were caught in a flash flood while trying to retrieve their carabaos.

Meanwhile, Tolentino said the Antique to Iloilo road is still passable, but commuters are advised to avoid traveling and to stay in their homes if possible.

“Fishermen should also avoid venturing out to the sea to prevent any sea mishap,” he said.

Amid the suspension of sea trips by the Philippine Coast Guard, the PDRRMO has not recorded stranded individuals at the ports of Culasi and Libertad.

“So far, there are yet no reports of preemptive evacuation in the municipalities, but the municipal and barangay DRRMOs are advised to implement such if there is imminent danger in their areas,” Tolentino said. (PNA)