SEEK SHELTER. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised an orange warning alert over Antique as of 2 p.m. of Friday (July 14, 2023) which means heavy rainfall with the threat of flooding and landslide is expected. Coast Guard officials said fisherfolk are advised to seek shelter and refrain from fishing because of the turbulent waves. (PNA photo courtesy of PAGASA)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Fisherfolk in this province are advised to temporarily seek shelter as Tropical Depression Dodong enhanced by the southwest monsoon affecting Antique is causing turbulent waves that may endanger their lives.
Coast Guard Antique Station commander Lieutenant Senior Grade Rey Anacita, in an interview Friday, said Antique is experiencing heavy rainfall due to the inclement weather so fisherfolk are warned to refrain from going out into the sea to fish.
“The Coast Guard Antique Station had been advising fisher folks since Monday not to venture out to the sea,” he said.
He added that without any gale warning to anchor on, the company of three passenger vessels plying the Libertad to Caluya to Mindoro route has the discretion of whether or not their operations will continue.
Meanwhile, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Michael Tolentino said in a separate interview that they are closely monitoring the Paliwan River connecting the southern and northern parts of the province.
“So far, the embankment at the Paliwan River is still passable as of the moment,” he said.
The embankment between the towns of Bugasong and Laua-an was washed out last month after the river overflowed due to heavy rains caused by Typhoon Betty.
It was reconstructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways Antique District Engineering while a permanent bridge is being constructed.
He added that residents of low-lying areas are cautioned against flooding and landslide for those in the mountainous areas as a yellow to orange rainfall warning has been hoisted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) over Antique at 2 p.m. on Friday.
“Be prepared for pre-emptive evacuation, in case,” Tolentino told the residents. (PNA)
