• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR. / THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is anticipating heavy rainfall over the weekend due to Tropical Depression Wilma, while several residents have voluntarily left their homes due in anticipation of inclement weather conditions.
PDRRMO Chief Irene Bel Ploteña stated in an interview that satellite images and cloud formation models observed yesterday indicate that up to 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall are expected in areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, which includes northern and central Negros Occidental.
Ploteña emphasized the importance of vigilance among localities across the province, noting that the track of the tropical depression could change at any moment.
“Based on our trajectory analysis, there is a possibility that Wilma could move either upward or downward. That’s why all LGUs must remain vigilant. However, our satellite data and cloud formations suggest it will bring heavy rains,” she explained. As of 10 a.m. yesterday, their models indicated that the tropical depression might hit Calatrava by Sunday.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel between Negros, Panay and Cebu, and ordered all vessels to seek immediate shelter and reminding fisherfolk to follow safety measures amid rough sea conditions.
VOLUNTARY EVACUATION
In preparation for the storm, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued a preemptive evacuation order on Thursday night. As a result, residents in high-risk areas of Bago, Hinigaran, Isabela, and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental have voluntarily evacuated their homes even before the tropical depression arrived.
“Some LGUs reported that residents have voluntarily evacuated themselves, possibly due to the trauma they experienced during the last typhoon. They chose to move to evacuation centers proactively,” Ploteña said.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the total number of preemptive evacuees had not yet been finalized, as tallying was still ongoing.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has also been placed under red alert status and the various provincial response clusters have been activated.
The PDRRMO, along with local DRRMOs, has taken pre-disaster measures to prevent potential loss of life and property. Search, rescue, and retrieval teams have been pre-positioned in several localities, particularly in high-risk areas.
The provincial government strongly urged the public, especially those in flood and landslide-prone zones, to leave their homes ahead of the storm’s arrival.
“As long as there is a history of flooding in the area, residents should evacuate as early as possible before the weather worsens. During the tropical depression, immediate deployment of rescuers becomes difficult,” Ploteña emphasized.
Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 are Sagay City, Escalante City, Toboso, Calatrava, Enrique B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Cadiz City, Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City, Murcia, Bago City, La Carlota City, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Valladolid, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, and Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin on December 5, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said TD Wilma maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Also under Signal No. 1 are the northern and central portions of Negros Oriental, including cities of Guihulngan and Canlaon City, Vallehermoso, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, Manjuyod, cities of Bais and Tanjay, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Dumaguete City, Valencia, Sibulan, Bacong, and Mabinay.
Wilma is still forecast to remain as a TD, PAGASA said.
Classes were suspended since Dec. 4 in Negros Oriental and in several cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized Bacolod City.
BACOLOD PREPARATION
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has convened with various barangay and rescue groups for a pre-disaster meeting as part of the city’s preparation for the potential impact of Typhoon Wilma.
Gasataya said that the groups were briefed on the necessary procedures should the situation escalate and require pre-emptive evacuation.
He added that a forced evacuation will be implemented if needed to ensure the safety of Bacolod residents.
The city government also continues to conduct the River Rehabilitation Program, which involves clearing trash in waterways and desilting of creeks and rivers around Bacolod.
Meanwhile, a total of 3,000 river warriors from the TUPAD Program of the Department of Labor and Employment were deployed by Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez as part of the nationwide Oplan Kontra Baha.*
