The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) has intensified evacuation and maritime monitoring operations on Sunday, October 19, as Tropical Storm Ramil continues to affect Panay Island and nearby provinces, prompting thousands of residents to flee coastal communities.
Between 8 a.m. and 12 noon Sunday, the CGDWV reported a total of 7,553 individuals, or 2,386 families, evacuated from 28 barangays across Western Visayas. In Capiz, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Roxas recorded 2,773 evacuees from 830 families, while CGS Antique assisted 22 individuals from two families. In Iloilo province, CGS Iloilo accounted for the largest movement with 4,758 evacuees representing 1,554 families.
The Coast Guard said all units remain on high alert and are actively monitoring coastal and marine areas to ensure the safety of residents and seafarers. ‘Our personnel continue to conduct evacuation operations and closely coordinate with local disaster offices to protect vulnerable coastal communities,’ the district said in its maritime safety advisory.
Nationwide, Tropical Storm Ramil has disrupted sea travel and port operations, stranding more than 3,200 passengers in various ports, particularly in the Bicol and Luzon seaboards, according to the PCG. Although detailed figures for Western Visayas ports have yet to be released, officials warned that travel disruptions are expected to persist until weather conditions improve.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over 17 areas, warning of winds between 62 and 88 kilometers per hour and possible storm surges up to two meters in low-lying coastal zones. Mariners, fishermen, and small craft operators were strongly advised to remain in port until the storm passes.
The Coast Guard urged the public to stay alert and follow advisories issued by local disaster risk reduction and management councils. Updates on port operations, evacuation centers, and sea travel restrictions will continue to be issued as Ramil moves across the Visayas region