• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday ordered the pre-emptive evacuation of persons and families in high-risk areas due to the impending threat of Tropical Depression Wilma.
“The pre-emptive evacuation in flood-prone, landslide-prone and storm surge-prone areas in the province aims to ensure public safety,” Lacson said in an executive order.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has also been placed under red alert status and the various provincial response clusters have been activated.
“It is imperative to undertake proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the loss of lives and property,” Lacson said.
Classes have been suspended Friday in several cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized Bacolod City.
Due to the effects of Tropical Depression Wilma, state weather bureau PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in the eastern portions of Visayas and in some areas in Mindanao on Thursday.
Some 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall are expected to hit Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental from Thursday to Friday.
Tropical Depression Wilma will make a landfall in Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between Friday evening and Saturday morning, before moving past Visayas until Dec. 8.
PAGASA Assistant Administrator Roy Badilla said the cyclone is slightly weak, thus the wind expected is not too strong. | GB
