By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Twelve local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental ordered the suspension of classes on Monday, Sept. 2, due to Tropical Storm Enteng.
The affected areas include the towns of E.B. Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pulupandan, Hinoba-an, Isabela, Murcia, and Valladolid, as well as the cities of San Carlos, Victorias, Silay, Talisay, and Bacolod.
In E.B. Magalona, the public was advised to brace for potential flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions.
Residents in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to storm surges, floods, and landslides were also urged to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local officials.
The provincial government also suspended work in all its offices starting at 12 noon on Monday due to the inclement weather.
In a memorandum issued by Acting Provincial Administrator Alberto Nellas Jr., it was stated that those providing vital and essential services, such as security, hospital, and emergency personnel, would continue to be on duty as scheduled.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (PDRRMC) Emergency Operations Center was placed on blue alert status to heighten monitoring of the tropical storm and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
In Bacolod, classes from elementary to senior high school in both private and public schools were also canceled.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is also on blue alert, prompting the activation of the Emergency Operations Center and the Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System.
Meanwhile, Commander Jansen Benjamin, head of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in northern Negros Occidental, said that sea travel in the area remains normal.
However, a passenger vessel bound for Manila was stranded at the BREDCO port after its trip was temporarily suspended on Tuesday morning due to a storm warning signal in its destination.
The 2Go MV Masigla had 389 passengers, along with five rolling cargoes, four motorcycles, and 145 containers. Benjamin mentioned that once the storm signal is lifted at its destination, the vessel will be allowed to proceed.
