By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least five barangays in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental were recently evacuated following heavy floods caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Based on data released by the town’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), around 367 families from Barangays San Isidro, Cambarus, San Juan, Miranda, and Canroma fled their homes and were housed at evacuation centers.

In a radio interview, MDRRMO head Fairy Grace Andrico said evacuees eventually returned home over the weekend after the rains started to slow.

Andrico said the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office distributed hygiene kits and clean water containers to affected residents.

Some homes in the affected barangays also reportedly suffered damage due to the flooding.

Andrico explained, classes in town have been suspended since Wednesday.

She added, contractors tasked with building a flood control project in the town informed her they are building a temporary bridge in Barangay Miranda in order for people to safely cross.

With rains expected for Negros Occidental today, Andrico advised town residents to cooperate with the local government unit should an evacuation be called./DGB, WDJ