The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas is closely monitoring 935 flood-prone barangays from 46 local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental.

During the virtual regional weather update meeting convened by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council yesterday, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Geologist Shimpei Francisco reported that Antique has the most at-risk barangays with 567, followed by Iloilo province with 183.

Others include 57 in Aklan, three in Capiz, 82 in Negros Occidental and 43 in Guimaras.

Meanwhile, lawyer Melissa Banias, officer-in-charge of the OCD-Western Visayas, said they are also closely monitoring landslide-prone areas, particularly in the mountainous parts of the region.

“Historically speaking, there is a big probability that a landslide will occur in areas that have already experienced a landslide,” she said in a follow-up interview.

As of yesterday, she said they have recorded reports of landslides in seven towns of Antique — Sebaste, Patnongon, Barbaza, Lauan, Bugasong, San Remigio and Sibalom.

“Residents are encouraged by their local government units to evacuate,” she added.

Meanwhile, rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon due to Tropical Storm “Crising” have already affected 31,251 individuals or 8,921 families as of noontime yesterday.

Of these, the OCD said 3,028 families are in evacuation centers.

Banias encouraged the communities to remain vigilant, be aware of what’s happening around them and monitor for weather updates, especially advisories released by the OCD, Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units.

“We continue to advocate for self-preparedness, which begins within us,” she said.

Banias urged the public to immediately coordinate with their local officials in any eventuality for proper intervention or assistance.

She assured that regional assets are on standby and ready for deployment when needed. (PNA)