• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Some 3,562 families have been displaced by floods in two key cities of Negros Occidental due to monsoon rains that lasted overnight from July 11 to 12.
In Talisay City, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Dionela Madrona reported that 3,121 families or 15,605 persons were affected in 16 barangays.
Mayor Rowena Lizares mobilized the city government mobile kitchen to feed displaced residents while her Angels Wings Foundation also donated rice packs to those affected.
The Talisay City Health Office conducted medical consultations and distributed doxycycline to prevent leptospirosis infection among the affected residents.
As of Sunday, almost all the evacuees have returned to their respective residences.
Meanwhile, a total of 441 families, composed of 875 persons, in 10 barangays of highly-urbanized Bacolod City were also hit by floods.
The city government provided emergency aid to the displaced families with relief operations continuing through the Department of Social Services and Development.
Essential supplies, including food packs, rice, blankets, mosquito nets, diapers, and hygiene kits, were distributed to the families who stayed in eight evacuation centers.
Flood waters reached up to four feet in Purok Tamburong, Magbinuligay, and Pine Tree in Barangay Bata, and parts of Barangays Banago and Mandalagan.
Personnel of the Bureau of Fire and Protection and Philippine Red Cross rescued residents in flooded areas.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said intensified dredging operations in the northern part of the city will commence Monday. | GB
