SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Residents in Antique province are advised to be vigilant for any possible flooding and landslide due to heavy rains brought about by the Low Pressure Area (LPA) and enhanced by the southwest monsoon. Michael Tolentino, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III, said in an interview Thursday that Antique is prone to landslide and flooding so the residents living along danger areas should take extra precautions. He said the public should be ready with their emergency needs and evacuate if advised by authorities. ‘Barangay officials are instructed not to allow their residents to cross rivers, especially if the water level is increasing to prevent drowning,’ Tolentino said. He said commuters passing the mountainous area from Antique going to Iloilo province should also drive with extra care since the road is slippery and still undergoing construction. The PDRRMO has been on a heightened alert since July 12, with its personnel closely monitoring the situation around the province. ‘The Municipal DRRMOs together with the other agency members under the response cluster of the PDRRM Council are ready to assist in case of emergencies due to the weather disturbance,’ he said. He added that while Municipal DRRMOs have their resources ready, the PDRRMO has two rubber boats and several life jackets ready for deployment in case of flooding. The heightened alert status in the province will continue until the weather condition improves. (PNA)

Source: Philippines News Agency