By CESAR JOLITO III

The Office of Civil Defense in Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has urged residents living in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain alert as continuous rains from the southwest monsoon continue to affect parts of the island.

OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III emphasized the need for intensified information dissemination at the community level to prevent casualties and ensure early response.

Sermeno also called on local government units (LGUs) to put up visible signage in hazard zones to warn residents and commuters.

“Even without a storm inside the country, the monsoon rains are enough to trigger floods and landslides. We want our communities to stay vigilant and ready to act,” Sermeno said.

The persistent rains prompted several LGUs in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to suspend classes last week.

In Negros Occidental, 12 areas initially declared suspensions, with Kabankalan City and Ilog maintaining the order for the entire day, while Hinoba-an shortened classes to half-day.

According to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, portions of Negros Island remain under heavy rainfall warnings due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Authorities advised residents in low-lying and mountainous areas to prepare for possible evacuations if weather conditions worsen./CJ, WDJ