Negros Occidental 1 dies, 243,900 persons affected, P97M in damages

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - — As super typhoon 'Yolanda' pounded Negros and other parts of the Visayas last Friday, a lone casualty was reported in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental.

Dominador Daulong, a 67-year-old resident of Brgy. Inayawan in Cauayan, drowned from flash flood, according to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Sunday.

As of 11 a.m. Monday, the PSWDO reported that 51,301 families or a total of 243,937 individuals in Negros Occidental were affected by Yolanda.

The affected persons come from 330 of the 661 barangays in Negros Occidental. Of this number, 24,951 families or 22,387 individuals sought shelter in 317 evacuation centers. A total of 22,387 houses were destroyed, while 6,035 houses were damaged.

Damage to palay, high-value crops, fisheries, and livestocks have reached P97.7 million.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported that damage to palay and corn is at P43,671,360, fisheries--P7,017,050, high-value crops--P1,350,634.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian reported a total damage of P45,748,266 in livestocks.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has requested the Provincial Board to approve a resolution placing province under a state of calamity.

Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the PB will hold a special session today to pass the resolution.

But as of yesterday, the local governments of Bacolod City, Cadiz City, Escalante City, Manapla town, and Toboso towns have separately declared a state of calamity in their respective areas.  (FREEMAN)