BACOLOD City – The inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Storm “Crising”, caused over P2.7 million in damages in Negros Occidental, according to the latest data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
As of July 20, the total damage was recorded at P2,714,061.36, with losses spanning infrastructure, agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, and residential properties.
In terms of infrastructure, the PDRRMO reported partial damage to a telecommunications post and two hanging bridges in Sipalay City and Isabela, each estimated at P500,000.
Sipalay City also reported significant losses in the agriculture sector, with 34.53 hectares of farmland — affecting 37 farmers — sustaining damage amounting to P1,332,757.41.
In the aquaculture sector, equipment losses in Sipalay were valued at P20,000.
For livestock, a total of 314 animals were affected in the municipalities of Binalbagan, Isabela, Ilog, and Kabankalan City, resulting in losses estimated at P361,303.95.
Several houses were also damaged in Hinoba-an, La Castellana, Bago City, Isabela, and Sipalay City, although the cost of damage to residential properties was still being assessed as of press time.
The severe weather triggered flooding from the evening of July 16 until July 19, affecting 18 local government units (LGUs) in the province.
Notably, Bacolod City, being a highly urbanized city, was not included in the provincial count.
A total of 139 barangays were affected, displacing 18,918 families or 31,445 individuals, according to PDRRMO reports./PN
