The Iloilo City government recently called on city residents to be prepared for the onset of Tropical Depression Samuel, which is expected to strike the city today.

“We encourage people to prepare ready-to-eat food packs, store water, and pack clothes in case of evacuation,” said Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) operations and warning chief Darwin Papa.

Ahead of the storm’s arrival, CDRRMO conducted a pre-disaster risk assessment with members of the Iloilo City Police Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education (DepEd), Public Safety and Management Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Health Office (CHO), and City Bureau of Fire and Protection.

In addition, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III canceled classes yesterday for public and private schools at the pre-school and elementary levels.

Papa also warned, barangays in low-lying areas, particularly near Dungon Creek, along with coastal barangays in the city’s Jaro district, may experience the brunt of the storm.

Meanwhile, CHO doctors are on standby and DepEd is preparing schools to serve as evacuation centers./WDJ