- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More than 15,000 individuals either evacuated or sought shelter Tuesday, July 25, due to torrential rains experienced all over Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, brought by enhanced southwest monsoon due to Super Typhoon “Egay”.
The Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) reported that the local government units of Pontevedra, San Enrique, Hinoba-an, Valladolid, Bago, and Sipalay were affected.
The town of Valladolid was the most affected, with around 3,338 families, or 22,168 individuals needing help.
Dave Cuahaw, weather forecaster for the PDMPD-Negros Occidental, said that even though “Egay” is not directly affecting the province, the southwest monsoon can still bring heavy rains and strong winds in the province.
The Philippine Coast Guard in Negros Occidental declared the suspension of boat trips to and from Tabuelan, Cebu via Escalante, Sagay, Daan Bantayan, via Cadiz City.
Cuahaw said it is still too dangerous for fishermen to venture out to sea as condition in the province is forecast to be “rough to very rough”.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson suspended work at the Capitol effective 12 noon due to the inclement weather and heavy downpour.
In a memorandum, Lacson ordered all provincial buses to take the employees home, except for a skeletal workforce, including those assigned in Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, hospitals, and other rescue personnel, who are mandated to be on duty.
Other LGUs that suspended work in government offices were Bacolod, E.B. Magalona, Silay City, and Pulupandan. Work in all courts in Bacolod, Talisay, and Murcia were also suspended.
Floodwaters also rose in areas near major rivers and waterways in Bacolod./GB
