By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga 

More than 15,000 individuals in Negros Occidental have been evacuated due to torrential rains and floods brought by the southwest monsoon and enhanced by Super Typhoon “Egay” yesterday morning.

Data from the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) showed, as of 11:00 a.m., the municipalities of Pontevedra, San Enrique, Hinoba-an, and Valladolid, and the cities of Bago and Sipalay were affected by flashfloods.

Valladolid was the most affected, with 3,338 families in 12 villages.

However, the PDMPD is yet to determine the number of residents staying at evacuation centers in the town.

In San Enrique, three families or nine individuals are currently staying at the evacuation site in Barangay Baliwagan.

Meanwhile, in Bago City, 18 families evacuated to safer grounds in Barangay Ma-ao, of which, 17 families sought shelter with relatives or friends, and one stayed at the evacuation center.

In Hinoba-an town, 11 families from Barangay Sangke are currently sheltering at the evacuation center.

Dave Cuajao, weather forecaster for PDMPD, said “Egay” will not directly affect Negros Occidental, but the southwest monsoon could still bring heavy rains and strong winds in the province.

“Egay” was spotted 230 kilometers east-northeast of Tuguegarao City, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph, the state weather bureau said in its latest bulletin yesterday.

Cuajao added that it is still too dangerous for fisherfolk to venture out to sea, as it is forecast to be rough to very rough.

Residents living near rivers were advised to be vigilant for floods, while those living in the mountains were cautioned for possible landslides.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has already distributed food packs to the affected residents.

Meanwhile, work at the provincial government was also canceled yesterday noon due to the risk of heavy rains and flashfloods.

Government work was also suspended in the cities of La Carlota, Silay and Talisay, and the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Pulupandan.

Classes suspended 

In capital Bacolod City, classes at all levels were suspended after seven low-lying barangays experienced flooding yesterday.

At least 404 families, composed of 1,569 individuals, have already sought shelter in 19 evacuation centers in 14 city barangays.

Residents in Barangays Pahanocoy, Singcang-Airport and Sum-ag were hit by knee- to neck-deep floods./With reports from PNA / DGB, WDJ