THE Kalibo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Aklan issued a flood alert after significant rainfall caused street flooding in several areas, particularly in low-lying streets, prompting warnings from local authorities on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
As of 11 a.m., the streets affected by flooding in Kalibo included:
-- Mabini Street (from Crossing to XIX Martyrs Street)
-- G.M. Reyes Street (from Crossing to Veterans Avenue)
-- Toting Reyes Street (from Crossing to Roxas Avenue Extension)
-- D. Maagma Street (from Crossing to Toting Reyes Street)
-- Osmena Avenue (from Crossing to the Capitol area)
-- Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue (from Crossing to the Capitol area)
Street-level flooding ranged from five inches to one foot of rainwater. Authorities have urged the public to avoid areas with water levels exceeding two feet due to the risk of rushing waters potentially carrying vehicles off the road.
Local police officers, alongside the Kalibo MDRRMO, have been monitoring the situation and maintaining a presence in the affected areas.
The public is advised to exercise caution while traveling and to avoid flooded roadways, particularly near Mobo Bridge, which currently shows a water level of 2.5 meters.
The Yellow Flood Alert threshold is set at 3.8 meters. While no flood alert has been raised, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued an Orange Rainfall Alert for the region, signaling possible hazardous conditions.
At 2 p.m., Pagasa issued a heavy rainfall warning no. 3 for Western Visayas. The warning indicated serious flooding and potential landslides in certain areas due to the shear line weather system.
A red warning level was issued for the following areas:
-- Antique: Caluya, Libertad, Pandan
-- Aklan: Malay, Buruanga, Nabas, Malinao, Ibajay, Tangalan, Makato, Numancia, Lezo, Kalibo, Banga, Balete, New Washington, Batan, Altavas
These areas are expected to experience serious flooding in low-lying regions and landslides in mountainous areas.
A yellow warning level was issued for the following areas:
-- Antique: Sebaste, Culasi
-- Aklan: Madalag, Libacao
-- Capiz: Sapi-An, Ivisan, Roxas City, Mambusao, Sigma
Flooding is possible in low-lying areas, and landslides are a concern in mountainous areas in these regions.
As of 6 p.m., the water level gauge at Mobo Bridge recorded a level of 3 meters, nearing critical levels of 5.4 meters. The MDRRMO continues to monitor the situation closely, and the public is urged to remain alert for further advisories from local authorities and Pagasa.
The public is advised to closely monitor weather conditions and take precautionary actions. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)