• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
With Signal No. 1 raised in Negros Occidental due to the threat of Tropical Depression Verbena, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson placed the province on immediate red alert status on Monday, Nov. 24.
He also ordered a preemptive evacuation of persons and families in high risk-areas.
Suspension of classes extended until Nov. 25 in majority of local government units in Negros Occidental.
The Philippine Coast Guard ordered the cancellation of sea travel between Iloilo and Negros as well as Cebu and Negros.
About 300 passengers were stranded in the ports of Bacolod, Pulupandan, E.B. Magalona, Escalante and San Carlos along with 157 cargoes and 16 vessels.
“It is imperative to undertake proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the loss of lives and properties in the light of an imminent threat of Tropical Depression Verbena,” Lacson said in his directive.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Irene Bel Plotena said that flood-prone barangays identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau are top priorities for evacuation, citing lessons they learned from past typhoons.
Plotena said that search and rescue teams are on standby.
The Provincial Engineering Office has also prepositioned clearing equipment, with extra food packs being assembled for displaced residents.
Hundreds of homeless families affected by floods brought by Typhoon Tino on Nov. 4, particularly in Moises Padilla, La Castellana, and neighboring local government units in central Negros, are still staying in various evacuation centers. | GB
