Torrential rain displaces residents, triggers landslides

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Some residents here and in some parts of Negros Occidental were evacuated due to flooding caused by incessant rains brought about by a low-pressure area.

Based on the report of the local government of Cadiz posted on its Facebook page, 227 families or 717 individuals were temporarily moved to five evacuation centers since Wednesday, Jan. 11.

In Sagay City, a total of 121 individuals were also evacuated and were staying at various evacuation centers last Wednesday.

At least 22 families composed of 76 individuals from three barangays in Bago City were also affected.

A family in Barangay Pahanocoy here was also transferred to an evacuation center due to the high water level in the creek.

Classes here and in some parts of the province were still suspended until Friday, Jan. 13.

Meanwhile, an eight-year-old boy was wounded after their house was destroyed by a landslide at Sitio Panlucasan, Barangay Cabatangan, Talisay City last Wednesday.

The victim suffered an eye injury and was confined at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) here. His five family members are now temporarily staying at a relative in Barangay Concepcion.

Another landslide was also reported at crossing San Agustin, Barangay Paraiso, Sagay City, that day. A clearing operation was immediately conducted for the safety of the motorists.

Further, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended the trips in the San Carlos City seaport due to rough seas yesterday.

According to Commander Jansen Benjamin, public information officer of PCG-Western Visayas, 24 passengers and 12 rolling cargoes were stranded at the said port.