The Coast Guard Station in Negros Oriental suspended boat trips to Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental since 8:00 a.m. yesterday due to stormy weather and huge waves triggered by the enhanced southwest monsoon, while some trips to Dapitan have already resumed.

A number of trips out of Negros Oriental to Siquijor and Dapitan City (Mindanao) were suspended since Thursday, although at least four trips to Dapitan resumed yesterday afternoon.

“Except for Apo Island trips that the Coast Guard suspended, the rest were initiated by the shipping lines themselves to ensure the safety of the passengers and the vessels,” Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, Coast Guard Station-Negros Oriental commander, said in a phone interview.

The weather bureau placed some parts of Negros Oriental under red rainfall warning, the highest warning, early yesterday.

Initial reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said the Mayabon River in Zamboanguita, Canaway River in Siaton and Okoy River in Valencia overflowed and rendered some areas impassable for a short period.

In Mabinay town, several spillways were also impassable due to rising river waters.

Landslides and rock slides were also reported in different towns since Wednesday, July 16, rendering some roads impassable.

Some 200 individuals were evacuated to safer ground in Siaton, La Libertad, Bayawan City, and Canlaon City, but were reported to have returned to their homes.

So far, no casualties have been reported in Negros Oriental, but three people were rescued in Sitio Pulo, Barangay Solongon in La Libertad on Thursday, July 17, after they were trapped on an island situated between two rivers. (PNA)