Storm Signal No. 1 hoisted in Iloilo, Bacolod cities, other parts of WV

Storm Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the two highly urbanized cities in Western Visayas including the provinces of Capiz, Guimaras, and portions of Aklan and Iloilo provinces due to Typhoon Auring with international name, Dujuan.

As of 5PM of Sunday, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Capiz, and Guimaras are under Storm Signal No. 1, based on the Tropical Cyclone Warning issued by PAGASA.

The northern and central portions of Iloilo province particularly the towns of Carles, Balasan, Estancia, Batad, San Dionisio, Sara, Concepcion, Lemery, Ajuy, San Rafael, Passi City, Bingawan, Calinog, Lambunao, Duenas, San Enrique, Dingle, Anilao, Banate, Janiuay, Badiangan, Pototan, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Mina, Maasin, Alimodian, Leon, Tigbauan, Oton, Pavia, San Miguel, Cabatuan, Santa Barbara, New Lucena, Zarraga, Leganes, and Barotac Viejo are also under Signal No. 1.

The same storm signal was also hoisted in the northern and central portions of Negros Occidental (Kabankalan City, Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, La Castellana, Pontevedra, San Enrique, La Carlota City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Bago City, Murcia, Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, Enrique B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Escalante City, Toboso, Calatrava, San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto) including the eastern portion of Aklan (Tangalan, Malinao, Makato, Lezo, Numancia, Kalibo, New Washington, Batan, Altavas, Balete, Banga, Madalag, Libacao).

Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 may expect winds of 30-60 km/h and intermittent rains in at least 36 hours.

High risk structures may sustain light to medium damage while some houses composed of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities may expect slight damage.

According to PAGASA, light to moderate with heavy rains at times are expected to prevail over Visayas region until Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas (DA-6) also issued a weather advisory to farmers and fisherfolks in preparation for the possible effects of Tropical Storm Auring.

DA-6 advised farmers to harvest mature crops as early as possible before the onset of Tropical Storm Auring.

Moreover, crop establishment particularly direct seeding during the weekend until early next week must be postponed to save seeds and planting materials from being washed out.

Seed reserves, reserves, planting materials, and other farm inputs must be stored in safe and proper storage areas.

Drainage and irrigation and rice paddies must also be cleared to prevent flooding.

For fisherfolks, aquaculture products must be harvested early while post-harvest equipment and facilities must be mobilized. Fishing vessels should also be secured in higher ground.

DA-6 also warned the public to dismiss sea travel as potential rough sea conditions prevail due to the tropical storm.

The public is advised be vigilant and monitor advisories from national and local authorities. (ERS)