By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 20 houses were damaged in Negros Occidental’s Bago City and Don Salvador Benedicto town due to the southwest monsoon’s (habagat) strong winds enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm “Betty.”

According to the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), 18 houses in Bago’s Taloc and Busay villages were extensively or partially damaged.

PDMPD data also shows two homes in Don Salvador Benedicto also suffered damage.

The PDMPD said some of the affected residents have temporarily sheltered with family or from their neighbors.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said parts of Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, will continue to experience the effects of habagat.

“Betty” has been downgraded from the typhoon category and exited the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday morning./DGB, WDJ