Western Visayas on Alert for Flooding Amidst Typhoon Inday and Monsoon Rains

ILOILO CITY — The weather bureau on Thursday urged residents in Western Visayas, particularly those living near rivers, mountain slopes, and low-lying communities, to remain on alert for possible flooding as Typhoon Inday and the southwest monsoon continue to affect parts of the country. In its General Flood Advisory No. 3 for Region 6, issued at 6 a.m. on July 9, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are expected over the region within the next 12 hours. As of 3 a.m., the eye of Typhoon Inday was estimated at 940 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 215 kph, and was moving west-northwestward at 20 kph. READ: Inday weakens into typhoon; rains to drench parts of PH – Pagasa Although the cyclone remains far from Western Visayas, Pagasa said the southwest monsoon, enhanced by the typhoon, continues to bring rains over Palawan, the Visayas, and Mindanao. READ: PNP on heightened alert due to Typhoon Inday The weather bureau identified several river systems across Western Visayas that could be affected by the expected rainfall. In Iloilo, residents were advised to closely monitor rivers and tributaries, particularly those along the Pinantan, Barotac, Akalaygan, Jalaud, Jalano, Jagdong, Jalaur, Lamunan, Jaro-Aganan, Sibalom, and Guimbal river systems. In Capiz, rivers and tributaries particularly vulnerable include the Panay, Mambusao, Panay Malinao, Alingon, and Balantian river systems. In Antique, Pagasa identified the Sibalom, Ipayo, Cagaranan, Palawan, Cairauan, Dalanas, and Tibiao rivers as areas requiring close monitoring. Rivers and tributaries in Guimaras were also placed under watch. In Negros Occidental, the advisory covered the Malogo, Sicaba, Grande, Himogaan, Danao, Upper Tabanan, Sipalay, and Lower Ilog river systems. Meanwhile, in Aklan, the Ibajay, Aklan, and Jalo rivers were identified as waterways that may experience rising water levels. Pagasa advised residents living near mountain slopes and low-lying areas along these river systems to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Local disaster risk reduction and management councils were likewise urged to closely monitor weather conditions and implement appropriate preparedness measures while the advisory remains in effect./coa