By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered the immediate preemptive evacuation of residents in high-risk areas across the province following the entry of Tropical Depression “Wilma” into the Philippine area of responsibility, which is expected to cross the Negros Island Region (NIR) this weekend.
Through Executive Order No. 25-28, city and municipal mayors in the province are instructed to evacuate families living in communities at risk of floods, landslides and storm surges as identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and local disaster councils.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Emergency Operations Center has been placed under Red Alert status to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Lacson stressed the importance of proactive measures, saying, “It is imperative to undertake preventive steps to mitigate the loss of lives and property.”
The executive order directs local governments to mobilize Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, uniformed personnel and barangay officials to assist with evacuations.
In cases where residents refuse to leave despite imminent danger, forced evacuation may be enforced.
Negrenses are advised to stay updated on weather advisories and follow evacuation orders.
Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to heed government instructions and prioritize their safety as the province braces for potential heavy rains and hazards brought by the developing weather system.
While the weather disturbance’s full impact remains under observation, provincial authorities emphasized that early protective actions are critical.
In a weather bulletin posted at 5:00 p.m. yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “Wilma” was last tracked 575 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
It is moving west-southwestward at 20 kph.
“Wilma” is forecast to intensify slightly before making landfall over Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands on Friday night, December 5, or Saturday, December 6.
The tropical depression is forecast to cross NIR early Sunday morning, December 7.
More provinces in the country were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
Pagasa said “Wilma” will bring heavy rains in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin until Friday afternoon.
Class suspension
As a precaution, classes have been suspended on Friday, December 5, in the following local government units:
* Calatrava — all levels
* San Carlos City — all levels
* Cadiz City — all levels, private and public
* Sagay City — all levels
* Talisay City — all levels, private and public
* E.B. Magalona — all levels, private and public
* Silay City — all levels, private and public
* Victorias City — all levels, private and public
* Pulupandan — all levels, private and public
* Binalbagan — all levels, private and public
* Himamaylan City — all levels, private and public
* Hinigaran — all levels, private and public
* Isabela — all levels, private and public./ With reports from PNA / CJ, WDJ