By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that Severe Tropical Storm Kristine affected a total of 193,841 people across the province last week, impacting over 29,262 families.
The storm primarily hit residents in Iloilo’s island barangays and coastal areas, leaving more than 3,400 homes partially damaged and over 70 homes completely destroyed.
PDRRMO Chief Cornelio Salinas, noted that most of the damage occurred in homes made from light materials, particularly in island barangays near the shoreline.
“During Kristine’s impact, we had several evacuation centers ready, including barangay health centers, halls, gymnasiums, and safe houses. We recorded 125 families in evacuation centers and 694 in safe houses,” Salinas said in an interview on Monday, October 28.
Initial data showed that a total of 16 centers were set up across the province, accommodating 153 families, or about 218 people. Meanwhile, 724 families (3,420 individuals) took refuge outside of the evacuation centers.
The hardest-hit municipalities were Carles and Ajuy. Carles reported 10,397 affected families, with 39,843 displaced individuals, while Ajuy recorded 6,816 families and 24,713 displaced residents.
Carles also had the highest number of families who stayed outside evacuation centers, with 616 families or 3,031 individuals.
While all evacuees have since returned home, the PDRRMO, along with local government units and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), continued to assess damage and coordinate recovery efforts to support affected communities.
Salinas advised residents not to attempt repairs or engage in maritime activities during stormy conditions to prevent further casualties.
“We initially had three people reported missing on the second day, but they were later found safe in Masbate City. The issue was that, despite storm warnings, some fishermen still went out to sea,” he said.
Salinas also reported that a 77-year-old resident from San Rafael tragically lost his life after falling while trying to secure his roof amid the storm.
“I urge everyone to stay vigilant and follow advisories,” he added, stressing the importance of adhering to safety instructions during severe weather.
In response to the situation, the provincial government launched extensive relief efforts, delivering essential supplies such as rice, canned goods, coffee, and noodles to the hardest-hit areas.
To enhance emergency response, VHF radio bases were installed in various towns, while ongoing coordination with municipal disaster offices ensured real-time weather monitoring and effective communication across the province.
Additional resources, including Civil Defense trucks and multi-purpose vehicles, were prepositioned for rapid response, and clearing operations were conducted to facilitate recovery.
