W. Visayas preps

ILOILO CITY , Philippines   -- Iloilo's Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) had put 37 response teams on standby for possible search, rescue and response operation as Yolanda is expected to make landfall over the region today or tomorrow.

PDRRMC director Jerry Bionat said all municipal DRRM councils were advised to monitor 24/7 the towns along low-lying and coastal areas.

Under tight monitoring are the coastal towns of Miag-ao, Tigbauan, Guimbal, San Joaquin and Oton---in the 1st district---and Estancia, Carles, Balasan, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Ajuy and Barotac Viejo (5th district), which are considered storm surge-prone areas.

Other towns like Barotac Nuevo and Dumangas (4th district), Calinog, Janiuay and Cabatuan and Passi City (3rd district) and Leganes, Zarraga and New Lucena (2nd district) are considered flood-prone.  (FREEMAN)