Despite the heavy rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) over the past few days, there have been zero casualties recorded in Negros Oriental, an official said July 21.
“As of the latest updated situationer report (sitrep) on Crising, we are happy to note that, so far, the province recorded zero casualties despite heavy rains experienced since July 16 and onwards,” Adrian Sedillo, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), told the Philippine News Agency.
Classes in all levels in private and public schools in Negros Oriental also resumed on Monday, after two days of suspension on Thursday and Friday due to Crising.
The PDRRMO’s latest situation report, however, showed many parts of the province were inundated by heavy and extreme rainfall over the past six days or so, which triggered flooding, landslides and rockslides; toppled trees and electric posts; and damaged several infrastructure.
The inclement weather also caused power outages and prompted several families to evacuate.
No estimated amount of damage has been made available yet pending consolidation of reports, but Sedillo said he believes it would just be minimal.
He highlighted the significant role of the local DRRMOs in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation, noting that emergency responders from the province, towns, and cities are better prepared this time than in the past.
“After the advent of Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, we can now see the local government units through their DRMMOs taking the lead during disasters and other emergencies,” he said.
In the past, people tended to look towards the government, through the police, military, and other security forces, when disaster struck, as there was no concrete set of guidelines and organizational structure of disaster response and management at the local level, Sedillo said.
He added that LGUs are now mandated to create their DRRMOs, allocate budget for manpower and other logistics, and even provide training for responders.
Landslides, overflowing rivers, flooding, and other occurrences tied to disasters are natural and expected due to the country’s characteristics and circumstances that make communities susceptible to these hazards, Sedillo pointed out.
Awareness and education are key to ensure that various sectors in the community work hand-in-hand with government to reduce casualties during disasters, he added. ||
