PREEMPTIVE EVACUATION. A disaster response team assists residents of a flooded area during a preemptive evacuation in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, on Monday (Sept. 16, 2024). On Wednesday (Sept. 18), the Municipal Council passed a resolution declaring a state of calamity in the southern Negros town to be able to disburse its quick response fund. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Fire Protection-Hinigaran Fire Station)
BACOLOD CITY – Three local government units in Negros Occidental, including San Enrique and Hinigaran towns and La Carlota City, declared a state of calamity as 149,962 Negrenses have been affected by heavy rains and floods as of Wednesday afternoon.
The weather disturbance is caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Ferdie, Tropical Depression Gener, and Tropical Storm Helen.
Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) showed the affected persons belong to 43,312 families in 229 villages of 25 local government units (LGUs).
A total of 8,324 families, composed of 33,978 persons, are staying in evacuation centers, while 609 families, or 1,963 individuals, are staying with relatives or in other houses.
In its report, the PDRRMC said the province continues to monitor the increase in water level and flooding incidents and coordinates with LGUs regarding the augmentation of prepositioned assets once needed.
On Wednesday, the City Council of La Carlota and the Municipal Council of Hinigaran approved resolutions declaring a state of calamity in their respective localities.
The declarations came after the Municipal Council of San Enrique also placed the town in a state of calamity on Monday.
A state of calamity declaration allows an LGU to disburse its quick response fund, representing 30 percent of its total DRMM fund.
In a radio interview, La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on said several residents have been evacuated, including those in areas prone to landslides and affected by floods.
He added they also initiated a pre-emptive evacuation of residents in four sitios of Barangay Yubo following the increase in the seismic activity of Mt. Kanlaon.
"We need an additional standby fund," the mayor said.
Hinigaran Mayor Nadie Arceo said over 20,000 residents have been affected by floods in their municipality.
Only about 70 persons are staying in evacuation centers after the other families have already returned home, he added.
In San Enrique, Mayor Jilson Tubillara said all their 10 villages have been flooded.
At least 9,262 families or 29,823 individuals have been affected by prolonged rains that resulted in flooding, the Municipal Council cited in the resolution. (PNA)
