• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Damage to crops, fisheries and livestock in Negros Occidental due to inclement weather triggered by Tropical Cyclone Kristine further increased to P4.2 million as of Oct. 25, a report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) showed.
Also, 1,839 families have been displaced by floods and strong winds, the report added
Two fishermen identified as Edwin Hinojales and Joren Parochel were reported missing, after they ventured into the sea in Cadiz City on Oct. 24.
Early Hinojales, sister of Edwin, sought the help of the Philippine Coast Guard and rescue groups to help find her missing brother and his companion.
Of the displaced residents in 18 affected local government units, 791 families, composed of 2,715, are still in evacuation centers while the others are staying with their relatives or in other locations.
Strong winds and big waves toppled six houses in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City while a tornado uprooted several trees in Barangay Patag in Silay City, inflicting damage to several houses.
The PDRRMC reported the destruction of 32 houses while 286 others were partially damaged.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office also reported that 189 individuals are staying at the Mahimulaton Evacuation Center in Bacolod City.
The Philippine Coast Guard, both in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, lifted the suspension of voyage of all vessels and watercrafts, plying both islands, although they were reminded to take precautionary measures.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Thursday that farmers, whose crops were damaged by flash floods, especially those enrolled in the crop insurance program, may avail of financial assistance.
The agricultural sector incurred initial losses of P3.221 million, affecting 206 farmers planting rice, corn, and high- value crops in 152.82 hectares, while fisheries suffered P575,930 in damage, and livestock, P419,578.
Classes also remained suspended in almost all 32 local government units in Negros Occidental on Friday.
Damage to schools in Don Salvador Benedicto was reported at P150,000. | GB
