- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Heavy rains induced by Typhoon Goring caused flooding in several towns and cities of Negros Occidental, affecting thousands of Negrenses, which also led to the suspension of work and opening of classes in 19 local government units.
Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet also ordered the suspension of work, aside from cancellation of classes on Aug. 29, due to inclement weather conditions.
Records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office indicated that 8,045 families, composed of 25,063 individuals, were affected by flooding.
Of the affected Negrenses, 719 families, composed of 3,363 persons, are now staying in various evacuation centers, while 955 families, or 3,803 individuals, opted not to stay at the evacuation centers, the PDRRMO report shows.
Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said that affected by flooding that started Sunday night, Aug. 27, were the municipalities of Pontevedra, Don Salvador Benedicto, San Enrique, Pulupandan, Valladolid, and Murcia, and Bago City.
Acting Negros Occidental Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer also canceled work for Tuesday, Aug. 29, in provincial government offices, as the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office sent food packages to some affected LGUs.
However, personnel of the PDRRMO, hospitals, and all those involved in relief and rescue operations have been mandated to be on duty.
In Bacolod City, heavy rains forced the evacuation of 1,739 families, composed of 6,048 individuals from 14 barangays, who are now staying in some government schools or temporary shelters.
Flood waters in southern Bacolod went as high as 10 feet in Purok Kaisahan, Brgy. Sum-ag, and about four feet in other areas.
School opening and work in government offices are suspended Aug. 29 in Bacolod City, La Carlota City, Bago City, EB Magalona, La Castellana, Hinigaran, Pontevedra, Murcia, Moises Padilla, Himamaylan City, and Binalbagan, as announced by their respective local chief executives.
Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla, Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen de la Cruz, and Pulupandan Mayor Miguel Peña, Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares, San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, and Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante, also ordered the suspension of classes in their respective areas.
Mayor dela Cruz also reported two landslides and the collapse of retaining walls due to heavy rains in Don Salvador Benedicto, while the PDRRMO reported a landslide in Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City.
While no casualty was reported, as of last night, the PDRRMO said seven houses were destroyed, and eight others damaged.
Meanwhile, in his executive order, acting Bacolod City Mayor El Cid Familiaran encouraged employers of private businesses to suspend work, in order for their employees to attend to the needs of their families affected by the inclement weather.
Patient admission at the Bago City Hospital was also temporarily suspended Monday due to flooding at the ground floor./GB
