Severe Tropical Storm Opong has displaced 692 families, equivalent to 2,529 individuals, in Iloilo City.

Of the total, 139 families or 445 people are being accommodated in 19 evacuation centers.

The 450 evacuation centers across the seven districts of Iloilo City, with a total capacity of over 45,000 families or over 200,000 individuals, are open to families affected by the tropical cyclone.

As of posting time, 82 villages in the city are still flooded.

“Our community kitchens have already been activated in evacuation centers with evacuees, ensuring that hot meals are served to affected families,” Joy Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Raisa Treñas, said in an interview.

The city government also gave hot meals to stranded passengers at the Lapuz roll-on, roll-off port and at Parola wharf. A total of 381 passengers were affected by the cancellation of sea travels.

The city health office opened all district centers, providing free doxycycline as protection against leptospirosis for those affected by flooding.

As of 2 p.m., there were 4,545 who have received the antibiotic.

“Our emergency response teams remain on full alert and have been continuously responding to reports of fallen trees and other hazards to ensure the safety of everyone,” Gorzal said. (PNA)