• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Due to impending threats that tropical depression that may hit Visayas, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday ordered the preemptive evacuation of persons and families in high-risk areas of Negros Occidental.
In an executive order, Lacson said the preemptive evacuation in flood-prone, landslide-prone and storm surge-prone areas in the province aims to ensure public safety.
Due to the effects of Tropical Depression Wilma, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration disclosed that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 was raised on Thursday in the eastern portions of Visayas and in some areas in Mindanao.
The state weather bureau said that 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall are expected in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental from Thursday to Friday.
It is imperative to undertake proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the loss of lives and property, in the light of the imminent threat of Tropical Depression Wilma, which is now inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to Lacson.
TD Wilma, which is reported by PAGASA to pack maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph, will make landfall in Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between Friday evening and Saturday morning, before moving past Visayas, until December 8.
PAGASA Assistant Administrator Roy Badilla said the cyclone is slightly weak, thus the expected wind is not too strong.*
