Floods hit Negros Occidental anew

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Several towns and cities in Negros Occidental were hit by flashfloods yesterday, a week after these areas were inundated by heavy rains.

A fatality was reported in Barangay Guimbalaon in Silay City, but the cause of death has yet to be established, according to city disaster risk reduction and management (CDRRM) officer Alexander Muñoz.

The city social welfare and development office reported that 193 families or 730 people in seven barangays in Silay City were evacuated to the civic center.

Muñoz said the evacuees returned to their homes when the water subsided.

More than 360 residents of Barangays 3, 4, 6 and 16 in Victorias City were evacuated to the Our Lady of Victory parish church. Others took shelter at the city gym.

Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante said seven barangays in the city were affected by flooding. At least 100 people remained at the Daga Elementary School yesterday.

Flooding was also reported in Barangays Banago, Taculing, Mandalagan, Bata and 3 in Bacolod City, according to CDRRM officer Joemarie Vargas.

A portion of the national highway in Barangay Jonob-Jonob in Escalante City was impassable for several hours.

Floodwaters rose six feet in parts of Victorias City due to rains spawned by a low-pressure area and the tail-end of a frontal system.

More than 230 families were reportedly evacuated in low-lying areas in Talisay City.

The number of affected families in EB Magalona and Manapla towns were still being assessed yesterday.

Victorias and Talisay were placed under a state of calamity due to flooding on Jan. 1. Initial damage to crops and fisheries in Negros Occidental was estimated at P15.8 million.

Still rainy

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains can still be expected in Negros Occidental and other parts of Western Visayas, Bicol and  Eastern Visayas today due to the tail-end of a frontal system.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned the public of flooding in low-lying  areas and advised them to take appropriate measures.

PAGASA said the northeast monsoon would bring dry and cold air over Northern Luzon. – Romina Cabrera