MITCH M. LIPA
Local government units in Negros Occidental sustained monitoring for “Auring” as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remained hoisted in northern and central parts of the province as of 11 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21.
From a tropical storm, “Auring” has weakened into a tropical depression, but hazards continue since moderate to heavy rains are still expected over Western Visayas on Monday morning through late evening.
Based on Severe Weather Bulletin No. 19, areas under Wind Signal No. 1 are Binalbagan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Murcia, San Carlos City, Bacolod City, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Talisay City, Silay City, Enrique B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Escalante City, and Toboso.
Disaster response teams in various localities have been closely watching flood-prone areas while reminding residents to be alert.
In Sagay City, the local government enforced pre-emptive evacuation of 163 families, or 583 individuals in Barangay Himogaan Baybay.
The evacuees took shelter in the barangay hall, Himogaan Baybay Integrated Senior High School, and Buenaventura Mahilum Elementary School.
One family, comprised of six individuals, evacuated to the village hall in Barangay Old Sagay while in Barangay Taba-ao, some 19 families, or 50 individuals were sheltered in the barangay hall.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel from ports of Bacolod City and other areas with wind signal.
Lt. Commander Ludovico Librilla, head of PCG Negros Occidental, said 335 persons, composed of drivers and helpers from 160 rolling cargoes, were stranded in different ports from Bacolod to San Carlos City in the north.
Most of the cargoes in BREDCO port at the Bacolod Reclamation Area are bound for Panay Island while a number of rolling cargoes in San Carlos port are for transport to Cebu province.
Librilla said their teams are staying in northern Negros for monitoring to ensure that there will be no movement of small and big seacrafts.
Coast Guard sub-stations in cities of San Carlos, Escalante, Sagay, Cadiz and Victorias have been on standby for 24 hours, he added.
Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head Zeaphard Caelian and the members of the province’s response team have also been monitoring the weather situation at the Command Center in Panaad Park, Bacolod City.
Caelian said only light rains were reported in all areas in northern Negros.
On Friday night, Feb. 20, the PDMPD released a directive from Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, instructing the chairpersons of the city and municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils to place their respective operation centers on red alert status and all district hospitals to raise “Code White” to ensure preparedness.
“Initiate proactive measures and take appropriate precautionary actions for possible flooding, flash floods, or landslides. Ensure waterways are clear of obstruction, review contingency plans, and mitigate possible disaster risk,” the governor said.
In Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the city’s disaster response units are on full alert as they continue to monitor and anticipate the entry of “Auring”.
“(Our) response teams are ready but we earnestly advise the public to likewise monitor the weather bulletins and be alert, as well as be prepared at all times,” Leonardia said.
He also advised those living in areas prone to floods and landslides to take precautions and to follow evacuation protocols when necessary.
Executive Assistant Jose Maria Vargas, who convened the city DRRMC for a pre-disaster risk assessment and emergency preparedness for response, said they have set up a Command Center at the Annex Building of the Bacolod Government Center.
He assured residents of Bacolod that the city’s emergency response system is ready as he advised everyone to immediately contact barangay officials or the police, whoever is nearer, in case of emergency. – MML
