- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia directed Monday the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and barangay DRRMO units to continuously monitor creeks and flood-prone areas of the city, following heavy rains triggered by localized thunderstorms.
Leonardia said that while the downpour abated and the floodwaters had subsided, officials of communities situated near creeks, rivers, coastal areas, and other waterways should be on high alert in times like these.
“I am reiterating my call for all village officials and organic staff and volunteers of DRRMO units to continuously monitor flood-prone areas,” Leonardia said, as echoed to Dr. Anna Maria Pornan, DRRMO head, and executive assistant Joemarie Vargas.
He also called on them to prepare for possible pre-emptive evacuations when necessary.
Residents affected by flood or any emergency case may contact 432-3871 to 72, 0930-2434706, 0908-6499849, or 0936-9401591, the city urged.
The DRRMO also advised all flood prone barangays to take precautionary measures against possible landslides and flash flood.
“Prepare for possible flooding due to heavy rainfall, and overflow of creeks and rivers, and ready your barangay DRRM teams for pre-emptive evacuations,” the DRRMO said in an advisory.
Meanwhile, Pornan spearheaded an ocular inspection and hazard and risk check of Amaia Steps Capitol Central 2 along San Juan Street in Barangay 8, Bacolod City, in line with the application of the Makati Development Corporation for an assessment on possible natural hazards, particularly seismic and hydro-meteorological risks, in the construction site.
The inspection was pursuant to Bacolod City Ordinance No. 335, series of 2003, which requires prior consultation and clearance with barangay councils and the city government before construction works on, along, or beside esteros, canals, waterways and similar passageways of water as well as drainage systems in Bacolod, to prevent or minimize flooding, and to impose penalties for violations.
The DRRMO said compliance to City Ordinance No. 335 is one of the requirements in applying for building permits, and one of the programs on disaster prevention and mitigation as per orders of Leonardia to enforce building regulations on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Climate Change Adaptation. | CGC
