Ilonggos are told to remain vigilant as Tropical Depression Verbena is expected to bring heavy rainfall in Western Visayas, especially in the northern parts of Iloilo.
During the pre-disaster risk assessment by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) on Monday, Nov. 24, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that as of 12 noon, it has already issued a heavy rainfall warning and a heavy rainfall advisory for the whole region.
“From time to time, occasional rains will still be experienced, and heavy rainfall is currently being experienced in some parts of the region,” Ferdinand Rubin of PAGASA said.
A 50- to 100-millimeter (mm) rainfall forecast is expected in provinces of Antique, Aklan, and Guimaras, and 100 to 200 mm for the rest of the region until Tuesday, Nov. 25.
He added that the weather is only short-lived and by tomorrow evening, the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.1 hoisted over the region will be lifted.
The region’s coastal areas will also continue to experience occasional gusty wind conditions even without a wind signal.
“Our crucial period is by today and tomorrow for the rainfall accumulation, because the hazard that we see for this type of tropical cyclone is its heavy rainfall,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said 1,675 barangays from 78 local government units (LGUs) are susceptible to landslides and flooding.
These included barangays from 17 LGUs each in Aklan, Capiz and Antique; 23 municipalities in Iloilo; and four LGUs in Guimaras.
A report from the Department of Education showed that 184,128 learners from 1,062 public schools in the region shifted to an alternative delivery mode due to the tropical depression.PNA
