Iloilo City, Philippines - Heavy rainfall caused by a shear line has resulted in flooding in Capiz and Aklan, impacting 15,464 families or 49,129 individuals in the two provinces, as reported by the Office of the Civil Defense Western Visayas (OCD 6) on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cindy Ferrer, OCD 6 information officer, stated that while Aklan reported 620 affected families, Capiz had a significantly higher number at 14,844 families. Of these, 260 families, comprising 816 individuals, were in evacuation centers, with others staying with relatives or outside shelters. The flooding affected residents in terms of property damage and impact on rice fields, although not all were necessarily displaced.
The change in weather pattern from the southeast monsoon or 'habagat' to the northeast monsoon or 'amihan' has affected Capiz, Aklan, and parts of northern Iloilo. As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) identified 129 barangays as susceptible to flooding, with the majority in Capiz, followed by Aklan and Antique. Local disaster risk reduction and management offices in the region have been prepared with contingencies, and quick response teams are on alert for deployment. Ferrer advised residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and move to evacuation centers when necessary.