Red Alert: Western Visayas Braces for Worst as Habagat Unleashes Torrential Rains

By Vipertech News

Published: July 24, 2026 | 10:30 AM GMT

The southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, has intensified into a severe weather event, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to issue an expanded red rainfall warning across Western Visayas on Friday. The alert, the highest in the agency's color-coded warning system, signals imminent flooding and landslides in several provinces, including Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Negros Occidental.

What the Red Warning Means

A red rainfall warning indicates that more than 30 millimeters of rain is expected to fall within the next hour—a volume that can overwhelm drainage systems and trigger flash floods in low-lying areas. PAGASA has advised residents in affected zones to seek higher ground immediately and avoid crossing swollen rivers or flooded streets.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), emergency operations centers in the region have been placed on heightened alert. Local government units have begun preemptive evacuations, particularly in coastal and landslide-prone communities.

The Role of Habagat and Potential Cyclone Kiyapo

The current deluge is being amplified by the presence of a potential tropical cyclone, named Kiyapo by international weather agencies, which is enhancing the southwest monsoon's moisture flow. While Kiyapo is not expected to make landfall directly over the Visayas, its outer bands are drawing in vast amounts of warm, humid air from the South China Sea, fueling relentless downpours.

“The combination of a strengthened Habagat and a developing cyclone is a recipe for extreme rainfall,” explained Dr. Maria Santos, a meteorologist at the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology. “We are seeing a classic case of monsoon enhancement, which can persist for days even if the cyclone itself moves away.”

Impacts on Communities and Infrastructure

Initial reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) indicate that several rivers in Iloilo and Capiz have already reached critical levels. The Jalaur River, one of the largest in the region, is being closely monitored for overflow. In Iloilo City, classes at all levels have been suspended, and non-essential government work has been halted.

Public utility vehicles have been advised to limit operations, while the Philippine Coast Guard has prohibited small sea vessels from venturing out in the Visayan Sea and Sulu Sea due to rough conditions. Power outages have been reported in parts of Antique and Aklan as strong winds and lightning strikes damage distribution lines.

Historical Context and Climate Implications

This is not the first time Western Visayas has faced such a severe monsoon event. In July 2021, similar conditions led to widespread flooding that displaced over 200,000 families and caused billions of pesos in agricultural damage. However, the current red rainfall warning is notable for its geographic scope—it now covers a larger area than previous alerts this decade.

Climate scientists point to rising sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and South China Sea as a key factor. Warmer oceans provide more energy for tropical cyclones and intensify monsoon systems, making extreme rainfall events more frequent and severe. The Philippines, already one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, is increasingly bearing the brunt of these changes.

What Comes Next

PAGASA forecasts that heavy rains will continue through the weekend, with a possible slight improvement by Monday if the potential cyclone Kiyapo weakens or moves away. However, the agency warns that even after the rain stops, flooding may persist for days due to saturated soil and slow drainage in urban areas.

Residents are urged to stay tuned to local radio and social media channels for real-time updates. Evacuation centers in Iloilo City, Roxas City, and Kalibo have been opened, with relief supplies prepositioned by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Key Takeaways for Residents: - Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. - Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges. - Prepare emergency kits with food, water, flashlights, and batteries. - Monitor PAGASA’s official website or app for updated warnings.

As the Habagat continues its assault on Western Visayas, the resilience of local communities will once again be tested. The coming days will require vigilance, cooperation, and swift action to ensure that the red warning does not turn into a red catastrophe.