By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Two more local government units (LGUs) in southern Negros Occidental declared a state of calamity yesterday due to the effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat).
The LGUs of La Carlota City and Hinigaran town made the declaration to address the impact of flooding and landslides in their areas.
La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalandoon said in an interview Wednesday that the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) recommended the declaration due to the large number of evacuees. This will allow the city to access standby funds to address the escalating situation, worsened by unfavorable weather conditions enhanced by a recent typhoon.
Jalandoon also mentioned that the declaration would help prepare the city for the possible pre-emptive evacuation of residents affected by heightened seismic activity from Kanlaon Volcano.
In Hinigaran, Mayor Nadie Arceo said nearly 20,000 individuals were affected by flooding, prompting the town to declare a state of calamity. Arceo noted that many residents have lost their sources of income, and the municipal government has already extended initial assistance.
On Monday, San Enrique became the first LGU in the province to declare a state of calamity due to severe flooding in all 10 barangays and significant agricultural damage.
Missing Teen Found Dead
A 14-year-old boy was found dead on Tuesday night, three days after drowning in Campomanes Bay, Barangay Maricalum, Sipalay City, on Saturday.
Ensign James Carbajosa, acting commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in southern Negros Occidental, said a resident discovered the victim’s bloated body floating near the pier at around 7 p.m.
The boy and his three cousins, aged 13 to 18, had gone jogging and later decided to walk along the beach. Despite the bad weather, they went swimming but were hit by strong winds and large waves. The boy was swept away by the current, while his cousins were rescued.
Evacuation
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that as of noon on September 18, 42,312 families, or 149,962 individuals, were affected across 229 barangays in 25 localities.
Of those affected, 8,342 families, or 33,978 individuals, were housed in evacuation centers, while 609 families, or 1,963 people, sought shelter outside of the centers. Six areas remain flooded, with seven reported landslides. Eight roads and three bridges remain impassable.
Agricultural Damage
Data showed that 68 barangays reported damage to rice and corn crops, amounting to PHP 32,789,025, while fisheries in 15 barangays suffered losses totaling PHP 1,781,361.
