By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Provincial Agriculturist, Atty. Japhet Masculino, released a report yesterday showing Negros Occidental lost a total P8.6 million worth of crops and livestock due to last week’s flooding.
He noted, an estimated 771.95 hectares of rice crops were lost, affecting 579 farmers.
According to the report, San Enrique was the hardest hit, with 369.19 hectares of affected rice crops, resulting in a financial loss of P5,040,696.20.
Other areas said to be severely impacted by last Friday’s weather included Bago City, Sipalay City, and Valladolid.
Dr. Renante Decena, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), meanwhile, reported an estimated loss of P120,581.25 worth of livestock, which includes goats, gamefowl, cattle, and ducks.
Decena said the towns most affected were Don Salvador Benedicto, San Enrique, Binalbagan, and Hinoba-an.
Last week, a low pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon caused heavy downpours, flash floods, and landslides across Negros Occidental.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) reported several areas of the province were evacuated.
The heaviest amount of rainfall within a 24-hour period was recorded in Sipalay City, estimated at 189.8mm./WDJ