FLOODING due to continuous rains has displaced more than 9,000 individuals in Molo District, prompting the city government to conduct evacuations and damage assessments as of 3:21 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported that at least 9,281 individuals from 2,525 families and 2,124 households across 15 barangays were affected by the flood.
Several areas have already activated evacuation centers while others remain flooded or partially damaged.
In Barangay San Juan, 257 individuals from 76 families are now taking shelter at the Regional Evacuation Center in Sooc, Arevalo. Barangay South Fundidor has seven individuals from two families housed at the Barangay Health Center.
In Barangay Calumpang, 79 individuals from 13 households with 18 families have been affected.
Barangay Infante recorded 610 individuals from 147 households, while West Timawa has 705 individuals from 255 households.
Other severely affected areas include:
- Kasing-Kasing: 195 individuals from 65 families
- West Habog-Habog: 683 individuals from 163 families; one partially damaged house; evacuation at the Barangay Hall
- Cochero: 709 individuals from 191 families
- Taal: 450 individuals from 151 families; 98 flooded households
- Salvacion Habog-Habog: 237 individuals from 171 families
- San Pedro: 298 individuals from 95 families
- East Timawa: 236 individuals from 50 families
- East Baluarte: 2,505 individuals from 490 families
- Katilingban: 610 individuals from 72 families
- Boulevard: 1,700 individuals from 570 families; six partially damaged houses
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa S. Treñas urged residents in low-lying coastal areas to evacuate early.
“Ginapanawagan ang tanan nga naga-istar sa coastal barangays nga magpatigayon sang preemptive evacuation bilang paghalong sa posible nga epekto sang malain nga panahon, bangud ginapaabot nga mas mataas ang tubig buwas sa oras sang high tide,” said Mayor Treñas.
(All residents of coastal barangays are urged to conduct preemptive evacuation as a precaution against the possible impact of bad weather, as the water is expected to be higher tomorrow during high tide.)
She also advised families needing help to coordinate with their respective barangay officials.
“Makig-angut sa inyo mga barangay officials para sa bulig sa transportasyon kun kinahanglanon. Mas maayo nga preparado kita kag sigurado para sa inyo kaluwasan," the mayor added.
(Contact your barangay officials for transportation assistance if needed. We better be prepared and sure for your safety.)
Meanwhile, Treñas announced on July 25, 2025, that the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has downgraded its alert level from red to blue status following the latest weather forecast from Pagasa and the EOC’s assessment.
“Base sa pinakaulihi nga forecast sang Pagasa kag assessment sang aton Emergency Operations Center, ginapanaog naton halin sa Red Alert pakadtu sa Blue Alert Status ang aton Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center umpisa July 25, 2025,” Treñas said in a statement.
(Based on the latest forecast of Pagasa and assessment of our Emergency Operations Center, we are lowering our Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center from Red Alert to Blue Alert Status starting July 25, 2025.)
Despite the downgrade, the mayor reminded residents and disaster response units to remain cautious due to potential high tide and rainfall brought about by the southwest monsoon.
“Bisan pa man sini, padayon kita nga maghalong. May posibilidad gihapon sang high tide kag pagbubo sang ulan bangud sang nagapadayon nga epekto sang habagat,” she added.
(Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant. There is still a possibility of high tide and heavy rain due to the continuing effect of the southerly wind.)
Treñas also called on all Vice-Chairpersons, Cluster Leads, Unit Leaders of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ICDRRMC), and Barangay DRRM Committees to stay alert and continue monitoring their respective areas. She emphasized the importance of preparedness at the community level.
“Padayon nga maga-monitor ang inyo nga Barangay Emergency Operations Centers kag siguruhon nga may preparasyon para sa posible nga mga insidente,” she said. “Magbinuligay kita para sa padayon nga kahilwayan sang aton Siyudad sa peligro.”
(Your Barangay Emergency Operations Centers will continue to monitor and ensure that there is preparation for possible incidents. Let's work together for the continued freedom of our City from danger.)
For residents affected by flooding, the mayor urged them to coordinate with their barangay officials for proper documentation and assistance.
“Sa tanan nga apektado sang pagbaha, magpadulong sa inyo tagsa ka barangay agud ma-document kamo sang insakto kag mahatagan sang nagaka-igu nga bulig,” she said. “We want to make sure nga mahatagan guid kamo sang just and fair assistance, pero kinahanglan anay nga ma-validate kag ma-record ang inyo mga ngalan kag sitwasyon.”
(To all those affected by the floods, please go to your respective barangays so that you can be properly documented and given appropriate assistance. We want to make sure that you are given just and fair assistance, but first your names and situation need to be validated and recorded.)
She said the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), along with barangay officials, will facilitate the assistance.
“Bilang inyo nga mayor, prayoridad ko ang inyo safety kag recovery (As your mayor, my priority is your safety and recovery),” Treñas concluded. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)