PH readies emergency ops amid enhanced monsoon rains

Preparations and coordination efforts have been intensified in Western Visayas as the region braces for the effects of the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name Noul).

Philippine News Agency

24 July 2026 at 03:38:09

PH readies emergency ops amid enhanced monsoon rains

RESCUE OP. The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office's Urban Search and Rescue team helps a pregnant resident affected by flooding in Barangay Calubihan on Friday (July 24, 2026). A red rainfall warning was issued over Iloilo City due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, intensified by Tropical Storm Kiyapo.

Photo courtesy of CDRRMO USAR / Philippine News Agency

ILOILO CITY – Preparations and coordination efforts have been intensified in Western Visayas as the region braces for the effects of the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name Noul).

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 6 raised its emergency operations center to blue alert status at 8 a.m. Friday due to the latest weather developments affecting the region.

RDRRMC-6 Chair Raul Fernandez, through Memorandum Order No. 59-A issued early Friday, moved the activation of the alert level ahead of the original 5 p.m. schedule.

Fernandez said the adjustment was made after updated weather forecasts showed that moderate to heavy rains were expected to affect parts of Western Visayas earlier than initially projected, increasing the risk of flooding, rain-induced landslides, and other weather-related incidents.

The enhanced southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several areas in the region, particularly Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras.

Under the blue alert status, designated officers from the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Coast Guard District Western Visayas are required to report to the emergency operations center.

As of 8 a.m. Friday, the state weather bureau had issued a red rainfall warning for Iloilo City, Guimaras, and several municipalities in Iloilo, including San Joaquin, Miagao, Barotac Viejo, Banate, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Tubungan, Igbaras, Guimbal, Tigbauan, Oton, Leganes, Pavia, San Miguel, Leon, Alimodian, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, New Lucena, Zarraga, and Pototan.

A red rainfall warning indicates that serious flooding is expected in low-lying areas, while landslides may occur in mountainous locations.

The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that 17 local government units had suspended classes at all levels due to the inclement weather.

In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Treñas suspended face-to-face classes from preschool to senior high school to ensure the safety of students and commuters amid heavy rains and possible localized flooding. (PNA) -Philippine News Agency