Iloilo City on High Alert: Tropical Depression Kiyapo Threatens Western Visayas

Published: July 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM GMT

Iloilo City has raised its disaster preparedness to Blue Alert as Tropical Depression Kiyapo barrels toward Western Visayas, prompting authorities to brace for potential flooding, landslides, and disruptions to daily life. The move, announced Thursday afternoon, places emergency response teams on standby as the weather system threatens to intensify into a tropical storm within hours.

What the Blue Alert Means

The Blue Alert status signals heightened readiness across the city. Under this protocol:

• All disaster response units, including rescue teams and medical personnel, are placed on standby
• Emergency operations centers are activated for 24-hour monitoring
• Evacuation centers are prepped and stocked with supplies
• Public information campaigns are intensified to warn residents

“We are not taking any chances,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas in a statement. “Kiyapo may still be a tropical depression, but its track puts us directly in harm’s way. We urge everyone to stay informed and prepare.”

Kiyapo’s Path and Projected Strength

As of Thursday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Kiyapo was located approximately 300 kilometers east of Iloilo City, moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour. The depression packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h.

Meteorologists warn that Kiyapo is likely to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall, potentially within the next 24 to 36 hours. Storm Signal No. 1 has already been raised in over a dozen areas across the Visayas and parts of Mindanao, including:

• Iloilo Province
• Capiz
• Aklan
• Antique
• Negros Occidental
• Parts of Palawan

Historical Context and Preparedness

Western Visayas is no stranger to tropical cyclones. The region has been hit by several major storms in recent years, including Typhoon Odette in 2021, which caused widespread devastation. This history has driven local governments to adopt more aggressive preparedness measures.

Iloilo City’s Blue Alert system, established after Odette, has been refined through drills and actual emergencies. The protocol includes pre-emptive evacuations in flood-prone areas, such as the low-lying barangays along the Iloilo River and coastal communities.

“We’ve learned hard lessons,” said Dr. Ramon Cua, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas. “The key is acting early. Even a tropical depression can trigger flash floods and landslides, especially in areas already saturated by recent rains.”

Analysis: Why This Storm Demands Attention

While Kiyapo is currently classified as a tropical depression, its slow movement and potential for intensification make it a serious threat. Slow-moving storms dump more rain over a longer period, increasing the risk of flooding. Additionally, the storm’s trajectory over the Visayan Sea could push storm surges into coastal areas.

Another concern is the timing. The southwest monsoon, or habagat, is currently active, which could enhance rainfall even outside the storm’s direct path. This means that areas not typically affected by the storm’s core may still experience heavy downpours and gusty winds.

What Residents Should Do

Authorities are advising the public to take the following steps:

• Monitor official weather updates from PAGASA and local government units
• Prepare emergency kits with food, water, medicine, flashlights, and batteries
• Secure loose objects around homes and businesses
• Identify the nearest evacuation centers
• Avoid travel, especially by sea, as gale warnings are in effect

Looking Ahead

Kiyapo is expected to make landfall in Western Visayas late Friday or early Saturday, according to the latest PAGASA bulletin. After crossing the region, the storm is forecast to weaken as it moves over the Sulu Sea, but not before potentially dumping heavy rain across Palawan and parts of Mindanao.

For now, Iloilo City remains on high alert. The Blue Alert will remain in effect until the storm passes and the threat subsides. As Mayor Treñas put it: “Better safe than sorry. We’ve seen what nature can do. Let’s not wait for disaster to strike before we act.”

With the storm still days away from its peak impact, the next 48 hours will be critical for preparation. For the people of Western Visayas, the message is clear: stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.