• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The enhanced southwest monsoon, intensified by Super Typhoon Inday, has displaced 429 families or 1,272 individuals in four towns of Negros Occidental, prompting class suspensions and the temporary halt of sea travel across parts of Negros Island Region.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, La Castellana recorded the highest number of affected residents with 930 individuals, followed by Isabela with 191, Pontevedra with 105, and Moises Padilla with 46.
Flooding reaching about a foot deep was reported in several areas, including Barangays Antipolo, Don Salvador Benedicto, Cambarus, and San Isidro in Pontevedra; Barangays Robles and Maytubig in Isabela; Barangay Robles in La Castellana; and Barangays Odiong and Poblacion 3 in Moises Padilla.
As heavy rains continued to batter the region, several local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental suspended face-to-face classes on July 10 to ensure the safety of students and school personnel.
In Negros Oriental, Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria ordered the extension of the class suspension until Friday as persistent rainfall continued to affect the province.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard-Coast Guard Station Southern Negros Occidental suspended island-hopping tours and all seawater-related activities in southern Negros due to rough sea conditions.
In Negros Occidental, LGUs that declared the suspension of face-to-face classes in both public and private schools at all levels include Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Isabela, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Candoni, Cauayan, Murcia, Hinoba-an, San Carlos City, Silay City, Talisay City, Bago City, La Carlota City, and the highly urbanized Bacolod City.
Talisay City Mayor Rowena Lizares ordered the suspension of classes, following the heavy rainfall outlook issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Lizares said the weather advisory warned of possible localized flooding in urban, low-lying, and riverside communities as well as the threat of landslides in highly susceptible areas. | GPB
