• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
About 3,562 families were displaced by flooding in two key cities of Negros Occidental, following monsoon rains that lasted several hours, from Friday night until the early hours of July 12.
City Social Welfare Development Officer Dionela Madrona reported that about 3,121 families, or 15,605 persons were affected in 16 barangays of Talisay City, while 441 families, composed of 875 persons, in 10 barangays of highly urbanized Bacolod City, were also affected by the floods.
The city government of Bacolod provided emergency aid to 441 families displaced by flooding, with relief operations continuing through the Department of Social Services and Development.
Essential supplies including food packs, rice, blankets, mosquito nets, diapers, and hygiene kits, were distributed across eight coastal evacuation centers in the northern barangays of Bacolod City.
Flood waters up to four feet deep were recorded in Purok Tamburong, Mabinuligay, and Pine Tree in Barangay Bata, and parts of Barangays Banago and Mandalagan in Bacolod City. Additional affected areas include Barangays 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 18, and Villamonte.
Also affected by flood waters were the reclamation area, subdivisions, and commercial establishments along Lacson Street, particularly in the northern part of the city.
Personnel of the Bureau of Fire and Protection, and Philippine Red Cross participated in the rescue of the flooding victims in Bacolod City, and life-saving operations.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya attributed the flooding to urban development pressures and infrastructure challenges.
“Multiple factors contribute to our flooding. Urbanization is one. Previously, rainwater would absorb into the soil. Now, concrete surfaces force water to seek the steepest paths to low-lying areas,” Gasataya said when asked about the causes of flood adding that clogged waterways and drainage also contributes to the problem. He also disclosed that an intensified dredging operations in northern waterways will start today.
Gasataya also lauded various volunteer groups in assisting the stranded Bacolodnons.
The city government urged residents in low-lying areas to remain alert if the monsoon rains continue.
On the other hand, Mayor Rowena Lopez Lizares mobilized the Talisay City government mobile kitchen to feed displaced residents, while her Angels Wings Foundation donated rice.
The Talisay City Health Office held consultations and distributed docycycline to prevent leptospirosis infections among the affected residents.
As of Sunday, almost all the flood victims have returned to their respective residences.*
