Preemptive evacuation ordered as Wilma threatens Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The provincial government of Negros Occidental has ordered a preemptive evacuation of people living in high-risk areas due to threats posed by Tropical Depression Wilma.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson issued the order after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration placed Negros Occidental under Storm Signal No. 1.

“The preemptive evacuation in areas prone to flooding, landslide and storm surges is intended to ensure public safety,” Lacson said in an executive order.

The emergency operation center of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council has been placed under red alert, while various provincial response clusters have been activated.

Classes were suspended yesterday in several cities and municipalities including inthe highly urbanized Bacolod City in anticipation of Wilma.