• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As result of enhanced southwest monsoon brought about by Super Typhoon Goring, damage to livestock, agricultural products, and fisheries in Negros Occidental has increased to P120,824,933.71, as of August 31.
A total of 24 houses were destroyed, and 67 others were partially damaged, a report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.
A total of 100,337 Negrenses were affected by the widespread flooding in 16 of 31 municipalities and component cities of Negros Occidental.
Classes and work in government offices in almost majority of LGUs in the province resumed on October 31.
The PDRRMC also reported that 2,888 farmers and 3,357 hectares of farm land were affected, causing damage valued at 116,808,533.71.
Damage to fisheries was placed at P1,447,000 and P2,569,380 in damage to livestock was also reported, affecting nine local government units.
Bacolod City was also placed under a state of calamity, after it was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session on August 30, as recommended by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
The flooding in Bacolod City affected 3,998 families or 12,868 individuals in 33 of the 61 city barangays, a report of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) said.
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo yesterday said that he will meet with CDRRMO members today, to discuss the possibility of placing the city under a state of calamity.*
