• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
At least 2,409 families, composed of almost 8,927 individuals, have been affected by shear line-induced rains in seven local government units (LGUs) of Negros Occidental.
Based on a report of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, those affected were residents of 24 barangays in the cities of Escalante, Sagay, Cadiz, and Talisay as well as the municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava, and E.B. Magalona.
Of the 1,087 families evacuated over the weekend, only 582 families are still occupying the evacuation centers.
Among the seven LGUs, Sagay City has the most number of affected families at 1,776, composed of 6,803 individuals.
An 87-year-old woman drowned in Barangay Fabrica, according to police report.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council alerted residents of Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona, Escalante, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Carlota, La Castellana, Manapla, Pulupandan, Sagay, San Carlos, Toboso, Valladolid, Victorias, and Don Salvador Benedicto of heavy rainfall with associated hazard, including flooding and landslide in mountainous areas.
In Escalante, Mayor Melecio Yap announced the suspension of classes in all levels today, Feb. 3, due to adverse weather conditions.
Light to moderate occasional rains are also expected in Cauayan, Sipalay, Candoni and Hinobaan as well as in Binalbagan, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Ilog. | GB
