03/09/2026
𝐕𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
The City Government of Vigan, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), intensified its monitoring, response, and pre-emptive evacuation efforts following continuous heavy rainfall that began Wednesday evening and intensified early Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Heavy rainfall resulted in localized surface flooding in the eastern and western portions of the city, affecting some schools and residential areas. Localized surface flooding refers to the temporary accumulation of shallow rainwater in specific areas when rainfall exceeds the capacity of drainage systems to immediately discharge the water. Floodwaters in several areas subsided in less than an hour, with the City Government attributing the quick clearing, in part, to continuous declogging and clearing operations by the City General Services Office (CGSO), City Engineering Office, and Barangay Councils.
As part of the City Government’s continuing assessment and preparedness efforts, the City Engineering Office, in coordination with the CDRRMO and City Public Relations and Information Office (PRIO), conducted a site assessment of flood-prone areas and the seawall in Barangay Mindoro. The assessment aimed to document existing conditions and identify areas that may require further intervention. The information gathered will serve as a reference for the City Government in developing better plans, appropriate mitigation measures, and long-term solutions to address flooding and other related risks.
Community participation also formed part of the city’s response to the sudden flooding brought about by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. In Barangay Ayusan Norte, a homeowners’ association voluntarily initiated sandbagging activities in coordination with the Barangay Council to help protect affected areas and properties. The initiative reflects the collective efforts of Bigueños and the local government in responding to immediate risks and mitigating the effects of sudden flooding in their communities.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs), continues to assist residents in flood-prone areas and facilitate pre-emptive evacuation to designated evacuation centers.
The Mestizo River and Govantes River remain under close monitoring, with both reported at the Yellow Warning Level, while the Abra River is being monitored around the clock to ensure timely warnings to nearby communities.
To ensure the safety of learners and provide schools sufficient time to clean and sanitize affected facilities, City Mayor Randy Singson declared the suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private, on September 3 and 4, 2026.
According to the Schools Division Office of Vigan City, 19 of 21 schools experienced flooding. Nine schools reported flooding in their grounds and surroundings, while 10 experienced flooding inside classrooms and non-instructional rooms, affecting a total of 40 classrooms and non-instructional rooms.
Meanwhile, the CDRRMC, led by Mayor Singson and Vice Mayor Atty. Glendale Benzon, mobilized relief teams to evacuation sites. The CSWDO provided food and non-food assistance, while the CHO provided medicines and medical consultations. As of 12:00 AM, 131 families comprising 396 evacuees were recorded, including 71 families in barangay and school-based evacuation centers.
The CENRO also conducted clearing operations to remove fallen branches and trees and maintain road accessibility.
Mayor Singson urged residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and undertake pre-emptive evacuation before conditions worsen.
The City Government continues to closely monitor weather conditions and water levels and reminds all residents to remain alert and follow official advisories as it strengthens both immediate response and long-term measures for a safer and more resilient Vigan City.
