A total of 126 families consisting of 417 individuals in Antique province were affected by floods and landslides casued by heavy rains, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

All operation centers in Antique are back to normal operation, however, it is advised to maintain close monitoring and intensified coordination to ensure constant readiness for the possible adverse effects of the calamity.

According to PDRRMO head Broderick Train, Emergency Operation Center was demobilized and returned to their respective offices/unit assignments.

“Still, the PDRRMC/O constantly advises the MDRRMO/Cs to continue monitoring the updates, likewise provides early warning information and alerts to the communities,” he said.

The status of major river systems remains in normal condition. But the bad weather condition had triggered storm surges, landslides, and flood. in particular areas of the province.

As reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-Antique), the box culvert situated in the bridge of Brgy. Calacja 1 was damaged due to the strong water current brought about by the flashflood. As a result, they temporarily closed the Hamtic-Iloilo national road.

As of September 17, 2021, the road is passable to light vehicles only. Buses and heavy vehicles traveling from Iloilo-Antique and vice versa are still re-routed to Anini-y Coastal road for safety.

The DPWH Antique immediately conducted necessary repairs on the affected bridge to allow the passage of light vehicles. MDRRMO Hamtic in joint coordination with PNP-Hamtic and the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo, established signages and warning devices in Guinsang-an, Hamtic, Antique and Brgy. Tiolas, San Joaquin, Iloilo for the temporary closure of the Hamtic-Iloilo national road.

According to the initial report of MDRRMO Hamtic, the bad weather triggered flashfloods in some barangays specifically in Brgy. Calacja, Brgy, Villavert Jimenez, and Brgy. Asluman. Brgy. Calacja 2 also experienced landslide.

The local Training on Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Team headed by MDRRMO Hamtic immediately proceeded to the area to conduct on-site assessment on the extent of damage and families affected as well as

necessary assistance to be provided.

Based on the assessment of the four barangays, an estimated total of 22 hectares planted with rice, peanut and vegetables were damaged.

There were eighteen 18 families with 77 individuals from Barangay Calacja 2 that were affected. Based from the assessment, 11 houses were totally devastated and five were partially damaged due to the onslaught of flashflood.

In Brgy. Asluman, 48 families with 86 individuals were also affected by the sudden rise of water in the river. No houses were damaged as per report but two residents of Brgy Funda, Hamtic who attempted to cross the Asluman river were trapped in the small elevated land during the flashflood. Fortunately, they were rescued and brought to safety afterwards.

In Brgy. Villavert Jimenez, 25 families with 93 individuals also experienced flashflood, leaving one house partially damaged. A total of 35 families with 161 individuals were also evacuated due to same the incident.

“The MDRRMO Hamtic together with MSWDO, and PNP proceeded to the area to provide assistance to the affected barangays. We are closely monitoring this damages and we will submit the reports once done to see the total damages,” said Train.