• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Tropical Cyclone Kristine left behind trail of destruction in Negros Occidental, with an estimated P3.92 million worth of damage to crops and fisheries, while 2,074 families were affected by flash floods, in seven local government units.
Despite the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration lifting of typhoon signal warning in Negros Occidental on October 24, the Philippine Coast Guard has not yet lifted the cancellation of trips from BREDCO Port in Bacolod City to Iloilo, and from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental to Bantayan Island in Cebu, due to the inclement weather, and two Cebu Pacific Manila-Bacolod-Manila flights were also suspended on Thursday.
However, the Cebu Port Authority issued a statement that Lite Ferry 1 has resumed its trip from Toledo Port in Cebu to San Carlos City port in Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental also remains in blue alert status due to strong gale force winds, although flooding in 10 areas of the cities of Sipalay, Bago, Cadiz and Sagay has already subsided, and landslide areas in Barangay Nabulao, Sipalay City, has been cleared.
As of 5 p.m. of Oct. 24, there are still 993 families occupying the different evacuation centers in Negros Occidental, including highly urbanized Bacolod City, with 161 families staying outside evacuation centers, according to reports of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the Bacolod City government.
Classes have also remained suspended in Negros Occidental, as of Oct. 24.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson disclosed on Thursday that farmers, whose crops were damaged by flash floods, especially those enrolled in the crop insurance program, may avail of financial assistance.
The agricultural sector incurred initial losses valued at P3,221,433, affecting 206 farmers planting rice, corn, and high value crops in 152.82 hectares, while fisheries suffered P575,930 in damage, and livestock at P131,564.26.
The PDRRMC also reported 29 damaged houses, of which seven were destroyed, in Negros Occidental.*
