• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The number of families affected by shearline-induced rains has risen to 2,409 families, composed of almost 8,927 individuals, in seven local government units of Negros Occidental.
Based on reports of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, those affected were residents of 24 barangays in cities of Escalante, Sagay, Cadiz and Talisay, as well as municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava and E.B. Magalona.
Of the 1,087 families evacuated during 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 was reported by the police to have drowned in Barangay Fabrica, Sagay City.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Negros Occidental also alerted residents on Bacolod City, cities of Bago, Cadiz, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona, Escalante City, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Carlota City, La Castellana, Manapla, Pulupandan, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Toboso, Valladolid, Victorias City, Salvador Benedicto of heavy rainfall, with associated hazard including flooding and landslide in mountainous areas.
Mayor Melecio Yap announced the suspension of classes in all levels, for both private and public schools on February 3 in Escalante City, due to the adverse weather conditions.
Light to moderate with occasionally rains are also expected in Cauayan, Sipalay, Candoni and Hinobaan, as well as Binalbagan, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Ilog.
On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Negros Island Region has extended family food packs to 320 families in 24 Bacolod City barangays, who were affected by the flooding on January 31.
TOBOSO DAMAGE
The torrential rains caused by the shear line destroyed four foot bridges and damaged a flood wall in Toboso, Negros Occidental, Mayor Richard Jaojoco reported.
The mayor said that continuous heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday resulted in flooding and flash floods, leading to the destruction of four footbridges in Barangays Salamanca, San Isidro, and Bug-ang.
Jaojoco emphasized that the town experienced one of the highest levels of flooding in its history.
Meanwhile, after flooding damaged the flood wall in Sitio Minaunong, Barangay San Isidro, Kenneth Construction has already begun rehabilitation work.
“The other side of the lane remains passable. I am also told that the contractor has already started its rehabilitation. The warranty has not expired yet,” the mayor stressed.
He called on the Department of Works and Public Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to personally inspect the flood control project in the town.
All nine barangays in Toboso, including the mountainous communities, have been affected by flooding.
“We will prioritize long-term programs to provide concrete solutions to this problem,” Jaojoco said, adding that the town will also provide assistance to the affected families.
All evacuees have already returned to their homes after flood waters subsided.*
