• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As Tropical Depression “Emong” enhances the southwest monsoon, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Negros Occidental remains on blue alert status.
The southwest monsoon has been the main source of rain for several days in Negros Occidental, which affected more than 100,000 Negrenses and resulted in the deaths of six persons, data of the PDRRMC showed.
PDRRM Officer Irene Bel Ploteña said on Wednesday, July 23, there are still 17 families, composed of 63 persons, staying in the evacuation centers.
They are those whose houses were destroyed by floods in La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and La Carlota City.
Ploteña, however, said there is no cause for alarm for residents within the surrounding communities of Kanlaon Volcano as of this time.
She said they have not monitored any lahar flow despite the rains except for grayish water.
The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office is also repositioning and repacking family food packs to ensure swift and efficient assistance to affected families.
La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor led the send-off ceremony for the local response team tasked to ensure the safety of the residents amid the continuing weather disturbance.
Nicor, who commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, stressed that preparedness is a shared responsibility. | GB
