By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered local government units (LGUs) in the province to implement preemptive evacuation of persons and families in flood-prone areas in preparation for the impact of Typhoon “Odette.”

“Everyone is prepared,” Lacson said early Thursday morning.

As of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, these towns and cities in southern and central parts of Negros Occidental were already placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4: La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Isabela, Binalbagan, Cauayan, Ilog, Candoni, Hinoba-an, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, and Sipalay City.

The governor added that frontliners, especially those assigned at the hospitals “should remain at their workplaces because they need to be there and there’s a need for their services.”

Lacson said that in an advisory he made on Tuesday, he directed all mayors to take proactive measures in anticipation of the storm.

Lacson also advised local government units to heighten their preparedness and take appropriate actions for possible flooding, flash floods or landslides.

The advisory included the clearing of waterways, a contingency plan and mitigation of possible risk in their respective jurisdictions.

“Regional offices of national government agencies have also assured immediate assistance in case needed,” Lacson said.

He added that the provincial government aims to have zero human and livestock casualty.

Lacson has also ordered a suspension of work at the provincial capitol at around 2:00 p.m. yesterday to give time for the provincial employees to return safely to their homes.

Several LGUs in the province have also suspended work and school by the afternoon./DGB, WDJ