By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Some areas of Negros Occidental experienced flooding yesterday, including Bacolod City, following heavy rains caused by a low pressure area. Based on a weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the low pressure area was last spotted 110 kilometers east southeast of Zamboanga City. Additionally, with the tail-end of a cold front over the area, PAGASA said the combination brought moderate to occasionally heavy rains across Mindanao, the Visayas, and parts of southern Luzon.
In Bacolod City, flooding was reported in Barangays Mandalagan and Singcang-Airport, Doña Juliana in Barangay Taculing, along Circumferential Road in Barangay Villamonte, and Lacson Street. In addition, some parts of Araneta Street were impassable for light vehicles.
Hundreds of commuters were also left stranded with some areas reporting heavy traffic.
The city’s main waterways, including the Lupit River, were also swollen, prompting the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to mobilize.
As of press time, there are no reported evacuations in the city.
Following the completion of a long-term flood control project along Lacson Street, Bacolod City residents were previously told that flooding along the city’s main roads would “be a thing of the past.”
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in Negros Occidental also issued several thunderstorm advisories yesterday afternoon warning people of moderate to heavy rains with strong winds.
As of press time, PDRRMO head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian said they have not received any reports of flooding in the province. However, several netizens across the province posted shots of flooding on social media, such as in Kabankalan City./DGB, WDJ