• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Tropical Depression Wilma is expected to hit Negros Island on Sunday (Dec. 7), based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
With Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 raised in northern and central portions of Negros Island, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel between Negros, Panay and Cebu, and ordered all vessels to seek immediate shelter and reminding fisherfolk to follow safety measures amid rough sea conditions.
Some 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall are expected to hit Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental on Dec. 6 and 7, according to PAGASA.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Irene Bel Ploteña said some families have voluntarily trooped to evacuation centers.
Preemptive evacuations were monitored in high-risk areas of Bago City, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana and Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
The provinces’ Emergency Operations Center has also been placed under red alert status and the various provincial response clusters have been activated.
Classes were also suspended in Negros Oriental and in several cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized Bacolod City, since Dec. 4. | GB
