Over 2,500 Iloilo City Residents Evacuated Due to Tropical Storm Opong

Iloilo City has seen the displacement of 2,529 residents across 25 barangays due to the impacts of tropical storm "Opong," as of 1 p.m. on September 26. The affected individuals are currently sheltered in more than 450 evacuation centers spread across the city’s seven districts.

Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Raisa Treñas, reported that the evacuations were primarily focused on low-lying and coastal barangays most vulnerable to the storm's heavy rains and strong winds. "As of 1 p.m. (Friday, September 26), 691 families or 2,529 individuals have been relocated to our evacuation facilities," she stated.

These evacuation centers, which have the capacity to accommodate over 45,000 families or upwards of 200,000 people, are supported by activated community kitchens. These kitchens ensure that evacuees receive hot meals, and similar services have been extended to stranded passengers at Lapuz ro-ro port and Parola wharf.

Tropical storm "Opong" intensified the southwest monsoon, causing heavy to intense rainfall throughout Iloilo City and the broader Western Visayas region. The storm’s strong winds have also caused tree falls and power outages in various areas.

"Our emergency response teams continue to operate around the clock, addressing reports of fallen trees and other hazards to safeguard residents," Fantilaga-Gorzal added.

City officials urge individuals living in flood-prone and coastal zones to follow evacuation orders promptly. They emphasized that early preventive actions could be critical in ensuring residents’ safety amid rising river levels.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center maintains close coordination with barangay leaders and national agencies, actively monitoring the situation and preparing additional relief efforts should the number of evacuees rise further.