Two more local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have been declared under a state of calamity due to the effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.

La Carlota City and Hinigaran town were placed under a state of calamity, both of which were approved by their respective councils yesterday.

Mayor Rex Jalando-on said, although the damage caused by habagat in the city was minimal, many residents have been evacuated from landslide and flood-prone areas.

Pre-emptive evacuation was also implemented for residents in four subvillages of Barangay Yubo due to the danger posed by the continuous activity of Kanlaon Volcano.

Jalando-on said additional calamity funds are needed because it is not yet clear when the situation will improve.

Meanwhile, Hinigaran Mayor Nadie Arceo said more than 20,000 residents in the town have been affected by intense rain-induced floods.

Earlier this week, San Enrique town was placed under a state of calamity due to the impact of habagat enhanced by Tropical Storm “Ferdie.”

Prolonged heavy rains resulted in flooding, affecting 9,262 families or 29,823 individuals.

At least 869 families or 1,945 individuals have been evacuated./WDJ