Safety Advisory Regarding Ongoing Rolling Blackouts in the Visayas Region
Due to recent power supply instability in the Visayas region of the Philippines, rolling blackouts are expected to continue. This situation may lead to various incidents, including elevator entrapments, traffic accidents due to signal failures, fires, electric shocks, generator-related accidents, disruption of medical equipment, heat-related illnesses, food spoilage, water supply interruptions, and increased risks of nighttime crime or communication outages. We strongly advise all Korean nationals currently residing in or traveling through the Visayas region to follow the safety guidelines below, check local rolling blackout schedules, monitor the latest notices from your condo or hotel, and take extra precautions for your personal safety and crime prevention.
1. Elevator Entrapment
ㅇ If a planned power outage is scheduled or power supply in your building is unstable, please avoid using elevators and use the stairs whenever possible.
ㅇ If you become trapped in an elevator, stay calm and use the emergency bell or intercom to request assistance from building management.
ㅇ Once you have a mobile connection, provide the building name, exact address, elevator number, estimated floor, and the number of people inside.
ㅇ Do not attempt to force the elevator doors open or escape through the ceiling hatch. Attempting to exit while the elevator is stuck between floors can lead to serious accidents, such as falls. Please wait for professional rescue personnel.
2. Traffic Accidents due to Signal Failure
ㅇ During power outages, traffic lights and streetlights may not function. Please reduce speed significantly at intersections and proceed only after verifying the movement of other vehicles and pedestrians.
ㅇ At night, motorcycles and pedestrians may be difficult to see. Avoid unnecessary travel, and if you must walk, wear bright-colored clothing or use a portable light source.
3. Fire, Electric Shock, and Generator Accidents
ㅇ Use flashlights or rechargeable lights instead of candles during power outages. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended or sleep while they are lit.
ㅇ Power surges can occur when electricity is restored; please turn off or unplug major electronic devices.
ㅇ Do not touch outlets or electrical panels with wet hands, and do not attempt to manipulate electrical equipment yourself to identify the cause of the outage.
ㅇ Emergency generators must be used outdoors with sufficient ventilation. Operating them in enclosed spaces such as indoors, hallways, or underground parking garages can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Medical Equipment Disruption and Heat-Related Illness
ㅇ If you rely on medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators or respiratory aids, ensure you have backup power sources like spare batteries or generators, and have an emergency evacuation plan in place for prolonged outages.
ㅇ Consult your medical provider or pharmacist in advance regarding how to store temperature-sensitive medications during power outages.
ㅇ As air conditioning and fans may stop working, elderly individuals, infants, and those with underlying health conditions are at risk of heat-related illnesses. Stay hydrated and, if necessary, relocate to a safe area with emergency power.
5. Food Spoilage and Water Supply Interruption
ㅇ If refrigeration or freezing units have been without power for an extended period, do not consume food if you cannot verify the storage time and temperature, or if you suspect spoilage.
ㅇ Be careful not to refreeze thawed meat, seafood, or dairy products.
ㅇ In high-rise condos and hotels, water pumps may stop working, leading to water supply or pressure issues. Please keep a supply of drinking water and essential water for daily use on hand.
6. Nighttime Crime and Communication Outages
ㅇ The risk of theft, robbery, and other crimes may increase during nighttime power outages. Avoid unnecessary outings and keep valuables and mobile phones out of sight.
ㅇ CCTV and electronic access control systems may not function. Always verify the identity of visitors through building management.
ㅇ Keep your mobile phone and power bank fully charged, and keep a written record of your accommodation's address and the management office's contact information.
[Emergency Contact Numbers]
ㅇ Philippine Emergency Hotline (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
ㅇ Consular Call Center (24/7): +82-2-3210-0404
ㅇ Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu: +63-32-231-1516~9
ㅇ Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines (Emergency): +63-917-817-5703 . End.
📎 Attachment: Guide to Checking Rolling Blackouts by Area in Visayas.pdf — Available for download from the original source below.
Source: Overseas Safety Information, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines · Posted 2026-09-14 · Korea Open Government License Type 1 (Attribution)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346444
