NEGROS Occidental — More than 1,000 families, or nearly 4,000 individuals, were affected by widespread flooding and landslides in several areas of Negros Occidental after heavy rains triggered by a shear line on Saturday, disaster officials said.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that flooding mainly hit Sagay City, Bacolod City, Escalante City, and the towns of Toboso, E.B. Magalona, and Calatrava, with floodwaters in some areas reaching up to two meters deep.
Bryll Larry Sañor, deputy manager of the PDRRMO, said the flooding was caused by continuous rainfall coinciding with high tide, resulting in the overflow of rivers and low-lying areas.
One fatality was reported in Sagay City. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) identified the victim as Angelina Oro, 87, a bedridden resident of Purok River Hillside in Barangay Fabrica, whose house was submerged by floodwaters.
More than 5,000 residents were affected and temporarily evacuated to public evacuation centers on January 31. Most evacuees have since returned to their homes as weather conditions gradually improved, the PDRRMO said.
Rescue and evacuation operations were carried out by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Army, and the PCG Auxiliary. The PCG reported assisting in the rescue of 84 families, or 422 individuals, while its Deployable Response Group rescued 45 residents whose houses near a river in Barangay Paraiso, Sagay City, were inundated.
In Calatrava, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 75 families, or 377 individuals, were evacuated to the Municipal Evacuation Center.
Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco reported landslides in Sitios Magtu-od and Polopangyan I in Barangay Bug-ang, as well as damage to infrastructure, including footbridges in Sitios Danao and Carbon in Barangay San Isidro.
As a precautionary measure, the mayors of Toboso and Sagay City ordered the suspension of classes in all levels on February 2.
Provincial disaster officials said they continue to monitor the situation and are coordinating with local government units to ensure the safety and recovery of affected residents./PN
