• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Four local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have already declared a state of calamity due to damage brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon in their respective areas.
The municipality of Valladolid has joined San Enrique and Hinigaran towns as well La Carlota City in placing their respective areas under a state of calamity, as recommended by their disaster risk reduction and management councils, and concurred by their respective municipal and city councils.
Damage to the agriculture sector, including livestock and fisheries, caused by southwest monsoon (habagat) has reached P149.738 million in Negros Occidental as of Sept. 20, based on the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
PDRRM Officer Irene Bel Ploteña reported P146.184 million losses in agricultural crops, P1.781 million in fisheries, and P1.772 million in livestock.
Affected by the inclement weather were 203,091 persons in 259 barangays of 25 cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.
However, almost all 10,206 individuals staying inside the evacuation centers and other shelters were reported to have already returned to their respective homes. | GB
