• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More than 3,000 families displaced by the enhanced southwest monsoon in Negros Occidental were discouraged from returning to their homes by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, due to the possibility of continued heavy rains and floods.
In a press conference at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration headquarters in Quezon City on Monday, Administrator Nathaniel Servando reported that Negros Occidental will expect heavy to intense rains on Tuesday, September 17, as Tropical Depression Gener, which enhance the southwest monsoon and is expected to make landfall in central and northern Luzon.
Tropical Storm Pulasan may also enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) late Tuesday, according to the state weather bureau.
As of 7 p.m. Monday, the PDRRMC reported that there are 3,080 families, composed of 10,509 persons, staying in evacuation centers, and 134 families, comprising 496 persons, outside of the evacuation centers.
PDRRMC officer Irene Bel Ploteña reported that a minor was missing in Sipalay City, while on the other hand, seven houses were destroyed, while 87 others were partially damaged in the province.
Initial damage to rice, corn and high value crops was pegged at P15,755,845.86 in 54 barangays of Negros Occidental, loses to fisheries placed at P398,112, and P493,328.91 to livestock, Ploteña added.
Across the province, there were 23,247 families or 72,297 persons affected in 130 barangays of 20 local government units (LGUs), according to PDRRMC.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Chiqui Gonzales reported that they have augmented the 1,960 food packs in Binalbagan, Sipalay, Pontevedra, La Castellana, San Enrique and La Carlota City.
Gonzales said they will also send food packs to Isabela and Sipalay City to be distributed to evacuees who are still in evacuation centers, waiting for flood waters to recede.
She added that they will replenish the supply of food packs, which will come from the DSWD regional office, in preparation of the coming Low Pressure Area (LPA) into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Under the shelter assistance program of the provincial government, Gonzales said owners of destroyed houses are expected to receive P10,000 each, and P5,000 for those whose homes were partially damaged.*
