BACOLOD City – Thousands of Bacolod residents were forced to evacuate as the city was placed under Signal No. 4 due to Typhoon “Tino” yesterday, November 4, causing flooding, property damage, and disruptions across the city.
According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), as of 2:30 a.m. on November 4, a total of 4,488 individuals sought temporary shelter following the city government’s preemptive evacuation measures. Barangay Banago recorded the highest number of displaced persons, with 1,128 residents taking refuge in evacuation centers.
Even before the typhoon made landfall, residents from various barangays across the city had already sought shelter due to flooding. Many homes, particularly in coastal areas, sustained damage from fallen trees and strong winds.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said city Rapid Response Teams were immediately dispatched to clear debris and fallen trees. Power generator sets were also sent to several evacuation centers to provide electricity amid widespread power interruptions.
Evacuees have been accommodated not only in schools, barangay halls, and gyms but also in Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), the offices of Lone District Congressman Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, San Sebastian Cathedral, malls, and other privately owned buildings. Stranded passengers from BREDCO Port were also transported to evacuation centers while awaiting the resumption of vessel trips.
Other areas in Negros Occidental under Signal No. 4 included San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Toboso, Escalante City, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, Victorias City, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, Talisay City, Murcia, Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, La Carlota City, San Enrique, Pontevedra, and La Castellana.
Social media posts from local residents highlighted the severe effects of Typhoon Tino, mirroring the widespread disruptions and damages reported across the city./PN
