ILOILO CITY — As Severe Tropical Storm Tino approaches Panay Island, the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has initiated preemptive evacuation measures, moving 902 families, or 3,414 individuals, from 35 high-risk barangays to safer locations as of 6:00 a.m. today.
The evacuations target residents in coastal and riverside areas, particularly those within 150 meters of high-water levels and near river systems such as Jaro River, Dungon Creek, Buntatala Creek, Mansaya Creek, and Calajunan Creek.
Evacuation centers include schools, gyms, day care centers, and barangay halls. Notable sites and evacuee numbers include:
Ortiz: UL High School – 122 families, 418 individuals
Bonifacio Tanza: Rizal Elementary School – 41 families, 273 individuals
North Baluarte, Molo: Day Care Center – 98 families, 447 individuals
Boulevard, Molo: Baluarte Elementary School – 90 families, 369 individuals
Bito-on, Jaro: Elementary School – 38 families, 106 individuals
Other barangays, including Sto. Niño Sur, Sto. Niño Norte, Calaparan, Hinactacan, Bo. Obrero, Mansaya, and various smaller communities, have also been evacuated.
Authorities, including the Iloilo City Police Office, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), and barangay officials, are assisting evacuees and ensuring access to food, water, and essential supplies. Community kitchens in evacuation centers have been activated to support residents.
City officials emphasized that preemptive evacuation is crucial to protect lives. Residents in affected areas are urged to comply immediately with evacuation advisories, remain calm, and follow official instructions from the CDRRMC and local authorities.