By CESAR JOLITO III
At least 8,387 families, or 33,095 individuals, across 13 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, have been affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong,” based on data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
As of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, 855 families, composed of 3,310 individuals, were currently staying in evacuation centers, while more than 5,400 families, or 22,950 residents, remain displaced outside shelters, PDRRMC data showed.
The localities affected by flooding due to the enhanced southwest monsoon include the cities of Sipalay, Cadiz, Talisay, Silay, and Bago, as well as the towns of Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Isabela, E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla.
The widespread flooding prompted preemptive and forced evacuations in the following LGUs:
* Bacolod City — 255 families (1,257 persons) from Barangays 10, Banago, Cabug, Pahanocoy, and Taculing were evacuated to five centers
* Hinigaran — 1,263 families (3,815 persons) affected; 15 families (15 persons) evacuated
* Binalbagan — 5,342 families (23,166 persons) affected; 33 families (136 persons) evacuated; 5,399 families displaced outside centers
* Sipalay City — Affected families reported in landslide-hit Barangay San Francisco, Nabulao. No evacuee figures were provided
* Cadiz City — Flooding in Zone 2, Barangay San Eusebio; no confirmed evacuee count
* Isabela — 134 families (530 persons) affected; 134 families (530 persons) evacuated
* E.B. Magalona — 833 families (3,055 persons) affected; eight families (30 persons) evacuated
* Pontevedra — 142 families (362 persons) affected; 129 families (314 persons) evacuated
* Talisay City — 156 families (515 persons) affected; 156 families (515 persons) evacuated
* La Castellana — 83 families (314 persons) affected; 83 families (314 persons) evacuated
* Silay City — 86 families (468 persons) affected; 24 families (74 persons) evacuated from Barangay Rizal and Mambulac
* Moises Padilla — two barangays affected; evacuee figures under validation
* Bago City — 31 families (96 persons) affected; four families (23 persons) evacuated
Infrastructure damage
The PDRRMC monitored multiple infrastructure-related incidents in La Castellana, including erosion along Bonifacio Extension, a damaged spillway in Hacienda Jamandre, and an overflow at Biak na Bato Tamburong Bridge, which stranded residents before clearing operations were conducted.
Two houses in Biak na Bato were also confirmed partially damaged.
In Silay City, two houses were partially damaged in Barangays Rizal and Mambulac, while widespread flooding submerged several other low-lying communities.
E.B. Magalona reported one house partially damaged in Barangay Madalag.
In Sipalay City, a landslide struck Barangay San Francisco in Nabulao, restricting passage for light vehicles.
Meanwhile, in Cadiz City, a boat capsized in Barangay Daga due to rough waters, though no casualties were reported.
Damage assessments in the city are still being consolidated.
Classes at all levels and work in government offices were suspended in all cities and municipalities of the province yesterday.
The PDRRMC has maintained red alert status across Negros Occidental to ensure prompt response and close coordination with local DRRM councils.
“Opong” maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 5:00 p.m. bulletin yesterday.
Signal No. 1 was hoisted in the northern portion of Negros Occidental, particularly in Talisay, Bacolod, Bago, Murcia, Valladolid, Pulupandan, La Carlota, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Escalante, Cadiz, Sagay City, Manapla, Victorias, E.B. Magalona, Silay, and Hinigaran.
“Opong” is forecast to head towards the West Philippine Sea before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday, September 27, Pagasa said. / With reports from PNA / CJ, WDJ