By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) Social Welfare Officer IV Sally Abelarde yesterday reported a total 8,165 individuals were evacuated, following the flooding that affected the city last Friday.

She noted, Barangay Singcang-Airport reported the highest number of evacuees with 4,800.

Abelarde also revealed the city is accepting donations of relief goods, including clothing and cooking utensils, to be provided for displaced families.

She said food packs were distributed over the weekend to Barangays Singcang-Airport, 39, 40, and 41.

The DSSD official also indicated plans to request the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) to provide financial assistance to affected families.

In addition, the agency reported 91 homes were destroyed by the storm, while another 102 were listed as partially damaged.

Meanwhile, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) head Joemarie Vargas said his agency received a report claiming there was one fatality recorded in Barangay Bata, however, Abelarde explained they cannot classify it as “flood-related” as the victim died after he slid and hit his head./DGB, WDJ