• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Heavy rains triggered by a shear line caused flooding and landslides across parts of Negros Occidental starting Saturday, forcing evacuations for thousands of residents.
An 87-year old bedridden woman, Angelina Oro, was found dead on February 1, after their residence was submerged by flood waters on Saturday at Purok River Hillside in Barangay Fabrica, Sagay City, according to a report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.
Police ruled out foul play in her death, as the incident was classified as drowning.
Also hit by the flash floods were at least 37 barangays of highly urbanized Bacolod City, Toboso, cities of Sagay, Escalante and Talisay, Calatrava and E.B. Magalona, where at least 5,000 residents were affected, majority of whom trooped to designated evacuation centers.
Prior to the flooding, local government units already conducted pre-emptive evacuations.
As weather improved on Sunday, the affected residents have returned to their respective homes
Flood waters were reported from knee-deep to high as two meters in some affected areas.
Mayor Richard Jaojoco also reported several land slide incidents in Sitios Magtu-od and Polopangyan , as well as the Himogaan River foot bridge, all in Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, and damage to some infrastructure projects, including foot bridges in Sitios Danao and Carbon in Brgy. San Isidro in the town.
Jaojoco also declared no classes in Toboso on February 2, due to the effects of the shearline that triggered heavy rains.
Following the erosion of Himogaan Bridge approach in Brgy. Puey, Sagay City, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz urged residents to use the old overflow bridge, pending restoration work.
Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the City Social Welfare and Development Office to distribute relief goods to 320 families, composed of 1,038 persons, affected by the flooding.
Local disaster officials called on residents, especially those living near rivers and creeks, as well flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, as intermittent rains continue to persist.*
