By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — A total of 79 families, comprising 277 individuals, were evacuated from two villages early Monday due to heavy rains caused by Tropical Depression Kristine.
Edward Ramirez, chief operations officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), reported that as of 2:30 p.m. yesterday, 73 families (252 individuals) were displaced in seven areas of Barangay Sum-ag, while six families (25 individuals) were affected in four areas of Barangay Pahanocoy.
Ramirez said the downpour began around 1 a.m., with rescue operations initiated approximately three hours later. He added that these two villages are known flood-prone areas, with residents living near creeks or riverbanks.
He noted that some roads were impassable that morning but were cleared once the floodwaters subsided.
Despite improving conditions, evacuees were advised to remain at the evacuation centers for safety, as more rain was expected later in the evening. The evacuees are temporarily sheltered at Sum-ag Elementary School and Medalla Integrated School.
Ramirez also reported that one person sustained minor injuries when a mango tree beside a creek fell on a house in Purok Lirio, Barangay Taculing, due to the heavy rains. The area was cleared by noon.
He further mentioned that the city’s five major rivers remained at normal levels despite the rainfall but urged the public to stay alert and not become complacent.
The CDRRMO is currently on blue alert and continues to monitor the weather and situation.
CLASS SUSPENSIONS
Meanwhile, six local government units (LGUs) in Bacolod and Negros Occidental suspended classes due to the tropical depression.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced the suspension of classes in all public and private preschools, elementary, high schools, and senior high schools in Bacolod from Oct. 21 to 22 due to expected inclement weather.
In Negros Occidental, the cities of Cadiz, Escalante, Silay, and Victorias, along with the town of E.B. Magalona, also canceled classes on Monday.
In a radio interview, Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), reported that three localities—Bago, Sagay, and Cadiz—experienced flooding Monday morning, though the water receded later in the day.
She mentioned that other LGUs experienced light to moderate rains but had not yet provided data on the number of evacuees.
